Proud Preston Award Winners Celebrated in Inspirational Ceremony Photos

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 20, 2026 5:05 PM ET

Proud Preston Award Winners Celebrated in Inspirational Ceremony Photos

Local volunteers, community leaders and campaigners were recognised at the first Proud Preston awards. The ceremony celebrated a wide range of work across arts, education, environment and community support.

Key winners and categories

The night highlighted both individuals and groups. Winners were applauded for tangible community impact.

Inspirational Young Leader: Grace Gudgeon, 24, founder of Girls Who Walk. Award presented by Stuart Mulrooney.
Community Initiative of the Year: Bounce Back Netball, formed after Covid to improve women’s wellbeing.
Arts & Culture Hero: Andrew Sumner. Category sponsored by Animate and presented by Councillor Valerie Wise.
Environmental Hero: Annie Wynn BEM, founder of Let’s Grow Preston. She also won the Proud Preston Award.
Inclusive Leadership: Mel Close, lead organiser of the 2025 Community Hub and disability pride activity.
Education Hero: John Hankin, headteacher at Corpus Christi High School.
Lifetime Hero: Guy Topping, business leader recognised for his work bringing Vault Youth Zone to fruition.
Active Inspiration: Victoria Danson.
Carer of the Year: Keita Ferguson.
Business in the Community: Paisley Training and Consultancy.

Moments from the stage

Several winners used their speeches to call for more support. Andrew Sumner stressed the need for better arts funding.

Mel Close reflected on the people who shaped her leadership. Annie Wynn praised collaboration as central to environmental work.

Organisers and presenters

Mayor of Preston Councillor Sue Whittam presented the Lifetime Hero award. She described the evening as positive and uplifting.

Tim Jacques, CEO of Vault Youth Zone, said his organisation was proud to be the charity partner. He highlighted Guy Topping’s role in creating Vault.

Fundraising and sponsors

The event raised funds for Vault Youth Zone through a raffle. Organisers reported £1,600 was raised on the night.

Sponsors included Animate, Preston Partnership, Global Ardour, Hive Land & Planning, CWP, UK Car Line, Harrison Drury Solicitors and Cotton Court.

Voices and wider reaction

Nicola Adam, editor-in-chief at Iconic Media North West, reflected on the phrase Proud Preston. She praised the city’s volunteers and civic pride.

Filmogaz.com co-editor Luke Beardsworth presented the Carer of the Year award. He welcomed the sense of unity the ceremony created.

Proud Preston Award Winners Celebrated in Inspirational Ceremony Photos illustrate winners accepting awards. Images capture emotion and community spirit throughout the night.