2026 Winners
Raising Money for Candlelighters
Well, what a way to celebrate our tenth anniversary.
It was a true honour to share the evening with so many inspiring individuals gathered in one room. We came together to celebrate each and every one of you, and your remarkable achievements.
Your resilience, passion and dedication are the very reason the Yorkshire Choice Awards exist. No matter the outcome, every nominee was truly worthy of recognition, and it was a privilege to shine a light on the people, businesses, charities and organisations making such a positive difference across Yorkshire.
Congratulations
The evening was a celebration not only of those who won, but of everyone who was nominated and supported along the way. Each story shared through the awards reflects the strength, generosity and spirit of Yorkshire, from businesses going the extra mile to volunteers, fundraisers, community groups and individuals creating lasting impact. Congratulations.
Mark the Occasion with our Bespoke Certificates
Whether you have been nominated, recognised as a finalist, or announced as one of Yorkshire's winners in our 2026 celebrations, our digital certificates are customised to showcase your individual achievements, serving as a timeless testament to your success.
Official Photographs
Some of the official photos from The Yorkshire Choice Awards 2026 have arrived! Click the link below to relive some brilliant moments from the night. If you’re sharing them on social media, your website, in emails or the press, please credit Robling Photography.
And the winners are...
NEW STARTER BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2026
Winners - EmAble, York
Winners - EmAble, York
EmAble, York
EmAble, founded by mother and son Joanne Nicholson and Matthew Rhodes in memory of Emily Rhodes, following Emily’s battle with cancer in 2019. During her illness, Emily struggled with fluctuating weight, self image and the discomfort of undressing for treatment.
Inspired by Emily’s experience, Joanne and Matthew developed an adaptable clothing range designed to make treatments such as radiotherapy, dialysis and intravenous therapy easier and comfortable for patients. Their innovative designs not only improve dignity and comfort, but also help speed up hospital appointments.
Joanne and Matthew have turned tragedy into something positive, creating a business that helps others while building a lasting legacy for Emily.
Finalists
Bingley Counselling Centre, Bingley
Kitchen & Koffee, Harrogate
Uyare Restaurant, Leeds
Sponsored by
INDEPENDENT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2026
Winners - McNally EV
Winners - McNally EV
McNally EV, Keighley
McNally EV has become one of Yorkshire’s leading renewable energy specialists, helping homes and businesses embrace a more sustainable future. Family-owned and run, the business has built an outstanding reputation for customer service, quality installations and expert knowledge within the EV charging and renewable energy sector.
With more than a decade of experience and thousands of installations completed across the UK, McNally EV continues to lead the way in innovative energy solutions. Their commitment to professionalism, reliability and supporting greener living has earned them exceptional customer reviews and made them a trusted name within the industry.
Finalists
Apollo Cloud, Leeds
Auto Electrical, Wakefield
Earnshaw Estates, Huddersfield
Sponsored by
LOCAL FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR 2026
Winner - Victoria Eams, Leeds
Winner - Victoria Eams, Leeds
Victoria Eams, Leeds
Victoria Eams, founder of Kind Hearts Give Back, is an extraordinary fundraiser whose determination has transformed countless lives. After being diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014, she chose to channel her experience into action, launching a charity ball just weeks later and laying the foundations for what would become her incredible fundraising journey.
Despite facing cancer three times, Victoria has never wavered in her mission. Over the past 11 years, her passion, strength and relentless drive have inspired a movement of support, helping raise more than £300,000 for cancer charities. Through every challenge she has faced, she has continued to turn adversity into hope, leading with courage and an unbreakable commitment to giving back and making a lasting difference.
Finalists
Anthony Brimble, Leeds
Freddie Cole, South Cave
Marty Bishop, Leeds
Sponsored by
ROB BURROW OUTSTANDING COURAGE AWARD 2026
Winner - Lucie Maguire, Kirkby Malzeard
Winner - Lucie Maguire, Kirkby Malzeard
Lucie Maguire, Kirkby Malzeard
Lucie Maguire, 24, has shown extraordinary courage after surviving a devastating tractor collision in 2021, when she was struck and dragged beneath a 10-tonne trailer while trying to help her mother escape a smoke-filled broken-down car. Believing she would not survive, she said goodbye to her family before an ambulance had even arrived.
She was placed in an induced coma at Leeds General Infirmary for a month, suffering severe internal bleeding, a broken back and pelvis, and later undergoing a life-changing leg amputation, with doctors not expecting her to walk or sit up again. Years later, Lucie has defied the odds. Taking on Whitby’s 199 steps for Day One Trauma Support, she completed the climb in harsh conditions, proving remarkable resilience, strength, and determination against unimaginable adversity.
Finalists
Claire Throssell MBE, Barnsley
Jacqui Drake, Bradford
Noah Butterfield, Bradford
Sponsored by
COMMUNITY ARTS AWARD 2026
Winners - Edshift, Halifax
Winners - Edshift, Halifax
Edshift, Halifax
EdShift is an organisation using the transformative power of the arts to support children and young people affected by domestic abuse, violence and trauma. Through innovative programmes including SpotLight, Little Nests, In Touch Peer Support and The Nest Art Therapy, EdShift provides safe, creative spaces where young people can heal, build resilience and regain confidence.
Based at The YouthBase in Halifax, the team has created a true sanctuary of safety, belonging and hope. Their impact is extraordinary, with 100% of children reporting they feel safe and 97% reporting improved confidence and self-esteem.
Finalists
Bradford Belles, Bradford
Leeds Musical Theatre Choir, Leeds
Music Box Inspiring Voices, Baildon
Sponsored by
YORKSHIRE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2026
Winner - James Fawkes, Wakefield
Winner - James Fawkes, Wakefield
James Fawkes, Wakefield
James Fawkes, an inspiring entrepreneur founded Auto Electrical Supplies Ltd in a garden shed in Wakefield, growing it into a multi million pound international business serving 37 global markets. From humble beginnings, the company now generates more than £6.6 million in turnover and has expanded internationally with operations in both the USA and India.
Under his leadership, AES achieved the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2020, recognising exceptional global reach. Passionate about supporting the local community, James also champions Wakefield Hospice, grassroots sports clubs and local food banks, reflecting his strong Yorkshire values and commitment to people, community and enterprise.
Finalists
Phil Harris, Harrogate
Michael Kiddle, Thirsk
Rachel Hill, Wakefield
Sponsored by
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2026
Winner - John Gibbons, Leeds
Winner - John Gibbons, Leeds
John Gibbons, Leeds
John Gibbons is a remarkable volunteer whose kindness, compassion and dedication have made a lasting difference to countless lives across Yorkshire. Alongside running his own plumbing business, John volunteers with Focus4Hope, supporting vulnerable people through homelessness outreach, community support and crisis response
From collecting and distributing donations to supporting people affected by the Ukraine crisis, John is always willing to help wherever the need is greatest. He also recycles abandoned tents and sleeping bags for people sleeping rough and helps distribute sleep pods across the North of England. Humble and selfless, John never seeks recognition, simply working tirelessly to bring dignity, hope and practical support to those who need it most.
Finalists
Adam Stewart, Boston Spa
Mark Hancocks, Wakefield
Helen Brewster, Hull
INSPIRATIONAL INDIVIDUAL OF THE YEAR 2026
Winner - Thalia Fili Toesland, Sheffield
Winner - Thalia Fili Toesland, Sheffield
Thalia Fili Toesland, Sheffield
At just 12 years old, Thalia Fili Toseland is an extraordinary source of inspiration, showing remarkable courage, kindness and determination while living with an inoperable diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) brain tumour. Diagnosed in early 2023 after experiencing movement changes in her left hand and foot and double vision, Thalia has undergone radiotherapy which has helped her regain some control. With survival rates for DIPG under 1%, she continues to defy expectations with positivity and strength.
Rather than stepping back, Thalia has chosen to inspire others, saying cancer has given her determination and a desire to bring hope to children like her. Supported by OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity, she led the Ullswater Way Challenge, a 20-mile walk raising over £29,000. Thalia is a shining example of bravery, hope and the power of one young person to inspire many.
Finalists
Charlotte Nelson, Bingley
Lee Wisdom, Sheffield
Vicky Robaya, Harrogate
CHARITABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2026
Winners - PJ Staffing, Leeds
Winners - PJ Staffing, Leeds
PJ Staffing, Leeds
P.J Staffing has made an exceptional impact on the community through its unwavering support of Candlelighters. As a Club Candlelighters Guardian member, the business has exceeded its fundraising commitment, raising thousands of pounds while generating vital awareness for children and families affected by cancer.
Led by Managing Director Paul McCallum, the team has embraced every opportunity to support the charity, from endurance challenges and the hugely successful Pink It Up Weekender to volunteering at major fundraising events. Their commitment shows no signs of slowing, with another Pink It Up fundraiser planned immediately after the Yorkshire Choice Awards as they continue to pledge their support and make a lasting difference across Yorkshire
Finalists
Friendly West Yorkshire Superhero, Featherstone
Moneyweb, Scarborough
The Female Decorators, Leeds
Sponsored by
KATE GRANGER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD 2026
Winners - Yorkshire Ambulance Restart A Heart, Wakefield
Winners - Yorkshire Ambulance Restart A Heart, Wakefield
Yorkshire Ambulance Restart A Heart, Wakefield
Since 2014, Restart a Heart Day, led by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, has delivered lifesaving CPR training to more than 311,000 young people across Yorkshire secondary schools, equipping them with the skills and confidence to save a life through CPR and the use of a defibrillator. Delivered entirely by Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff, volunteers and partners who give their time freely each year, the campaign has become a powerful example of community action and public service.
On 16th October 2025 alone, almost 800 volunteers contributed over 5,400 hours to train more than 41,000 students across 185 schools in a single day. Now a global movement reaching over 5 million people annually, it has helped increase Yorkshire’s bystander CPR rates by 35%, saving countless lives.
Finalists
Dr Barbara Guinn, Hull
Louise Prashad, York
Yasmin Javed, Leeds
Sponsored by
Headline Sponsor
CHARITABLE EXCELLENCE AWARD 2026
Winners - Leeds Hospital Charity, Leeds
Winners - Leeds Hospital Charity, Leeds
Leeds Hospital Charity, Leeds
Leeds Hospitals Charity is the official charity of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, supporting over a million patients and families each year across Leeds and beyond, often at the most difficult and life-changing moments of their lives. Leeds Hospitals Charity exists to bring comfort, dignity and hope when it is needed most, funding vital care and support that goes far beyond what the NHS can provide alone.
From free wigs for cancer patients and comfort packs for grieving families, to support trolleys on children’s wards and emergency grants during illness, their work brings humanity into hospital spaces when people need it most. Their impact is also seen in major developments such as the £6.8 million Rob Burrow Centre for MND, helping transform care, dignity and support for patients and families facing devastating diagnoses.
Finalists
Day One Trauma Support, Leeds
Focus For Hope, Brighouse
Ruddi's Retreat, Huddersfield
Sponsored by
CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD 2026
Winners - Apollo 3D, Otley
Winners - Apollo 3D, Otley
Apollo 3D, Otley
Apollo3D, founded in Otley, has grown from a small Yorkshire start-up into one of the UK’s leading 3D visual marketing specialists, trusted by both local independents and major global brands. From scanning Otley restaurants and wedding venues to creating digital twins for over 350 Primark stores across Europe, the business combines innovation with a strong focus on customer experience.
At the heart of Apollo3D’s success is its commitment to exceptional customer service. Clients consistently praise the team for their responsiveness, reliability and personal approach, ensuring every project is delivered with care, accuracy and on time. Every scan, drone video and virtual tour is handled with transparency and attention to detail, building long-term trust with customers. Apollo3D’s dedication to supporting clients and helping them showcase their spaces effectively has earned them a reputation for outstanding service and lasting partnerships.
Not in attendance on the evening.
Finalists
Cameron Beaumont, Wetherby
The Pet Vet, Rotherham
The Spine Guy, Leeds