Yorkshire Choice Awards

03/08/2026

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN https://www.yorkshirechoiceawards.co.uk/2027-nominate-here

Do you know someone who deserves to be celebrated for their courage and impact in Yorkshire? Nominate them for the Yorkshire Choice Awards and help recognise their achievements in adversity, business, or community service. Submit your nomination today!

01/08/2026

Today, on Yorkshire Day, we’re delighted to announce that nominations are now OPEN for the 2027 Yorkshire Choice Awards! 🎉

We are inviting people across the county to help us celebrate the individuals, charities, organisations and businesses that make Yorkshire such an extraordinary place to live and work.

Now entering our 11th year, the Yorkshire Choice Awards have spent more than a decade shining a light on remarkable people and groups from every corner of the region.

From community champions and inspirational young people to outstanding charities, dedicated volunteers, brilliant businesses and those who have shown incredible courage, the awards recognise the stories that deserve to be heard.

Whether you want to nominate someone who deserves recognition, find out more about this year’s awards, or explore sponsorship opportunities, we’d love you to be part of the journey.

👉 Read more, nominate or play your part as a sponsor:
https://www.yorkshirechoiceawards.co.uk/post/nominations-are-now-open-for-the-2027-yorkshire-choice-awards

Let’s celebrate the very best of Yorkshire together. 🌟

18/06/2026

CHARITABLE EXCELLENCE AWARD 2026
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 P.J Staffing

18/06/2026

KATE GRANGER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD 2026
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 Franks Accountants

18/06/2026

CHARITABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2026
P.J 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 The Banks Group

18/06/2026

INSPIRATIONAL INDIVIDUAL OF THE YEAR 2026
Thalia Fili Toseland, 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.

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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:
Tracy Fletcher, Huddersfield
Lee Wisdom, Sheffield
Vicky Robayna, Harrogate

18/06/2026

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2026
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

18/06/2026

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD 2026
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.​

Finalists:
Cameron Beaumont, Wetherby
The Pet Vet, Rotherham
The Spine Guy, Leeds

18/06/2026

YORKSHIRE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2026
James Fawkes, Wakefield

James Fawkes, an inspiring entrepreneur, founded Auto Electrical Supplies - AES 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 Celtic Castles