Wakefield Unsung Heroes Awards celebrate volunteers making a difference in their communities

Among those honoured at the Community Foundation Wakefield District’s awards were a 16-year-old who has spoken openly about losing her father to suicide and a man helping families access technology.

Ella Durrant received the 2026 People’s Choice Award following a public vote, while Chris Lord, founder of WakeyTech4All, was named Overall Unsung Hero by the judging panel.

Held at Theatre Royal Wakefield, the ceremony celebrated nine finalists nominated by people who felt their contributions to their communities deserved recognition.

Lisa Milburn, executive director of the Community Foundation Wakefield District, said: “Behind every nomination was somebody effectively saying, ‘this person deserves to be noticed’.”

She added: “Choosing nine finalists from so many deserving entries was incredibly difficult.”

Ella was recognised for using her own experience of bereavement to help others understand suicide and its impact on families.

After losing her father when she was ten, she began speaking to workplaces, GP surgeries and community groups about men’s mental health, hoping her experience will help others.

Organisers said they were delighted that so many people had been moved by Ella’s story and voted for her. She also shared her singing talent with the audience during the ceremony.

Chris was named Overall Unsung Hero for his work tackling digital exclusion through WakeyTech4All.

He refurbishes unwanted laptops, tablets and other devices, distributing them to children, families, adults and charities who need them. Alongside his team, Chris also provides practical technical advice to help people make the most of technology.

Highlighting the importance of recognising people whose work often goes unnoticed, Lisa said: “These awards matter because volunteers matter. So much of what makes our district strong happens under the radar.”

The finalists

Alongside Ella and Chris, seven other individuals and teams were recognised for their contributions to communities across the area.

They were:

Castleford Community Food Pantry Team, Castleford – Volunteers who collect surplus food and distribute it to local people in need. The pantry has grown to support more than 500 families.

Catherine Brocklesby – A volunteer with organisations including Open Country and Wakefield Sight Aid, helping people with disabilities access the countryside and events, as well as providing regular telephone befriending for isolated people.

Claire Crossdale, Remember Barnbow – Her research into the Barnbow Lasses has helped preserve the stories of women who contributed to the war effort, including those who died in the 1916 Barnbow explosion. Some of the women came from communities across the Five Towns.

Donna Wheatley, Hemsworth – Runs a uniform bank, collecting, washing, repairing and organising donated school uniform and other clothing for families on limited budgets.

Katy Medley, My Eco Baby CIC – Founded the community interest company to give back to a community that supported her after the birth of her son. She manages donations, keeps the shop stocked and develops fundraising ideas.

Kirstin Love – Remembered for running the NormyWatch community Facebook page, volunteering and organising charity events, as well as rescuing animals from abusive situations and finding them safe homes.

Move Ahead Team, Outwood – Based at Bevin Community Centre, the team supports people with brain injuries, their families and carers through activities, events and outings. The centre has been part of the community since 1997.

Organisers thanked the event’s sponsors, supporters, performers, host Duncan Wood and the team at Theatre Royal Wakefield for helping make the evening possible.

Lisa said: “It was a genuine privilege to honour all nine finalists and share the impact they have in their communities.

"We hope they enjoyed being on the receiving end of some well-deserved appreciation for a change.

"We hope each of them went home knowing that their efforts mean more to the people around them than they may realise.”