Cornwall’s Heroes Awards Return for 2026, and Nominations Are Open

Every year, thousands of quiet acts of kindness happen across Cornwall and almost none of them get noticed. A second round of community awards wants to change that.

Cornwall’s Rewind Radio, in partnership with Duchy Hospital, is asking people across the county to nominate the individuals who make a difference every day, as Cornwall’s Heroes returns for its second year.

A second year after a strong start

The first awards celebrated inspirational people from communities across the county, and organisers say the response was overwhelming. Cornwall’s Heroes 2026 is once again putting the spotlight on the people whose kindness, courage, dedication and community spirit help make Cornwall such a special place to live.

It could be a friend who always puts others first. A family member who has come through something difficult. A colleague who goes well beyond what the job asks. A volunteer whose hard work usually goes unseen. Cornwall’s Rewind Radio wants to hear their story.

The categories you can nominate for

Nominations are open across a wide range of categories. They include Community Champion, Unsung Hero, Carers Award, Child of Courage, Volunteer of the Year, Fundraising Hero, Health & Wellbeing Hero, Team Spirit, Rising Star, Sports Personality, Young Sports Personality, Local Business Leader, Animal Welfare Champion and Lifetime Achievement, among others.

The awards are open to nominations from across Cornwall. Organisers are encouraging residents, schools, community groups, charities, sports clubs and businesses to get involved.

📷Reuben Whittle, Child of Courage Winner 2025 - Credit: Joanne Westlake Photography

The story behind one of last year’s winners

One of the most moving winners last year was Reuben, who received the 2025 Child of Courage Award. After his dad’s battle with cancer, Reuben became a source of strength for his family, showing maturity and courage well beyond his years. His story is a reminder that bravery is not about age, but about the strength a person finds when life is at its hardest.

Organisers hope there are many more untold stories like Reuben’s waiting to be recognised across Cornwall this year.

Why it matters

Thousands of acts of kindness take place across Cornwall every year without any recognition. Cornwall’s Heroes sets out to change that by celebrating the people who quietly support neighbours, inspire others, lead community projects, care for loved ones, raise money for good causes, or simply make life better for those around them.

Richard Woods, Managing Director of Cornwall’s Rewind Radio, said:

“One of the things that makes Cornwall so special is its people. Last year we were overwhelmed by the incredible stories that were shared with us. We heard about people who had shown immense courage, dedicated years of service to their communities, and made a genuine difference to the lives of others. We know there are many more stories waiting to be told, and we encourage everyone to take a few minutes to nominate someone deserving.”

Headline sponsor Duchy Hospital is supporting the awards, helping make sure Cornwall’s heroes get the recognition they deserve. Alongside other local businesses who help the event happen, Duchy Hospital says it is proud to celebrate the people whose commitment and compassion make Cornwall’s communities stronger.

How to nominate

If someone has inspired you, supported others, come through real challenges, or given themselves to helping their community, this is the moment to say thank you.

Nominations close at 11.59pm on Friday 31 July 2026. To submit a nomination and see the full list of categories, visit rewindradio.co.uk/cornwallsheroes.

📷Jack Murley, Cornwall's Rewind Radio Daytime Presenter and Cornwall's Heroes Host - Credit: Joanne Westlake Photography