Heart of Doncaster Awards 2026 winners revealed!

Following a special awards ceremony at Club Doncaster Sports Village on Friday 16 October, we’re delighted to announce the winners of the Heart of Doncaster Awards 2026.

The evening celebrated the amazing people, schools, businesses and community groups who go above and beyond to support others and make a real difference across Doncaster.

From supporting vulnerable neighbours and helping young people find their confidence to creating opportunities for people to feel included, healthier and more connected, this year’s winners embody the kindness, dedication and community spirit that make Doncaster such a special place to live.

John Davis, CEO of Club Doncaster Foundation, said: "Congratulations to all our winners and finalists! 

"They are truly changing lives, strengthening communities and making a real difference across Doncaster. 

"Too often, people give so much to others without realising the impact they have. The Heart of Doncaster Awards celebrate their achievements, recognise the incredible people behind them and shine a light on the kindness, dedication and commitment that make our community such a special place.”

To read more about the HOD Awards, Club Doncaster Foundation and the winners and finalists - read the event programme, here.

Our 2026 winners are...

Choose Kindness Adult Award

Winner: Julie Keegan. Runner-up: Sandra Crabtree

Julie Keegan has spent 36 years supporting the Stainforth community, creating a welcoming space at the Resource Centre and bringing people together through initiatives such as Winter Warmth.

Choose Kindness Young Person Award

Winner: Dylan Bee. Runner-up: Sophia Agate

Dylan Bee has turned his passion for food into a growing catering business, using it to provide free monthly meals for vulnerable and older people in his community.

Choose Kindness Business Award

Winner: EE. Runner-up: Addicted to Recovery

EE is helping young people build confidence and prepare for the future through its Skills4Life programme, delivered by employee volunteers across Doncaster schools and colleges.

Choose Kindness School Award

Winner: Green Top Primary School. Runner-up: Hatfield Woodhouse Primary

Green Top Primary School is inspiring pupils to spread kindness through care home visits, handwritten thank you cards, litter picking and community artwork.

Choose Kindness Community Group Award

Winner: Balby Thriving Together. Runner-up: Thorne and Moorends Community Foodbank

Balby Thriving Together provides a welcoming community café, practical support and Christmas gifts for children, helping local people feel supported and included.

VCFE of the Year Award, sponsored by Well Doncaster

Winner: Addicted to Recovery. Runner-up: Found My Niche

Addicted to Recovery brings people together through recovery sessions, community activities and outreach, helping individuals feel less alone as they rebuild their lives.

Club Doncaster Foundation (CDF) Fit Rovers Participant of the Year Award, sponsored by DRFC

Winner: Dave Buckle. Runner-up: Alan Ball

Dave Buckle has reached an incredible 1,000 Fit Rovers attendances, showing the power of consistency, determination and commitment.

CDF Active School of the Year Award, sponsored by Yorkshire Sport Foundation

Winner: New Pastures Primary School. Runner-up: Field Gate School

New Pastures Primary School has helped pupils become Playground Leaders, building their confidence to organise games and make activities welcoming for children of different ages and abilities.

CDF Young Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Clean N Bright

Winners: Ava, Elliott, Mason and Poppy. Runner-up: Thomas Green

Ava, Elliott, Mason and Poppy created a school project to support young people's mental wellbeing, giving pupils a safe way to share worries and support one another.

CDF Youth Pathways Award, sponsored by People Focused Group

Winner: Liam Wood. Runner-up: McKenzie Christie

Liam Wood turned an apprenticeship into a full-time coaching role through hard work, perseverance and a commitment to supporting people across Foundation programmes.

Club Doncaster Sports College Student of the Year Award, sponsored by Doncaster College

Winner: Nathan Lee. Runner-up: Henri Crisp

Nathan Lee consistently goes above and beyond in his studies and academy life, setting a positive example through his attitude, application and dedication.

Darren Warner Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Solar 365

Winner: Sheena Moore. Runner-up: Dale Barker

Sheena Moore leads the Stainforth Grotbaggers, working tirelessly to keep her community clean and welcoming while inspiring others to take pride in their surroundings.

Eric Randerson Special Recognition Award, sponsored by Denholm Good Logistics

Winner: Mark Johnson. Runner-up: Nathan Kennedy

Mark Johnson has grown from attending Fit Rovers with support to becoming an independent participant, a dedicated fundraiser and champion of Club Doncaster Foundation.

CDF Fundraiser of the Year Award, sponsored by DN4

Winner: Chloe Arthur. Runner-up: Mark Johnson

Chloe Arthur has helped modernise Fit Rovers fundraising, introducing easier ways to donate and supporting activities that contributed to the committee's biggest annual fundraising total.

Thank you and congratulations

Congratulations to all our winners, runners-up and finalists. Your kindness, commitment and passion are making a real difference, and we’re proud to celebrate everything you do for Doncaster.

A huge thankyou also go to our award and event sponsors, who help support and make our Heart of Doncaster Awards, to be as successful as they are.

Our headline sponsor, Choose Kindness, award sponsors including Choose Kindness, Well Doncaster, Doncaster Rovers, Yorkshire Sport Foundation, Clean N Bright, PFG, Doncaster College, Solar 365, Denholm Good Logistics and DN4, along with our welcome drink sponsor, Prime Event Hire.