Incredible people with remarkable stories – that was the YorkMix Hero Awards 2026.
The awards, held at York Racecourse last night (Friday), showcased the creativity, resilience, selflessness and dedication of the people of York and North Yorkshire.
And the audience were moved and inspired in equal measure.
The YorkMix Hero Awards 2026 are kindly supported by Yorkshire Profiles – providers of quality assured metal fabrication at the heart of North Yorkshire.
The good, the great and the glamorous gathered for the annual awards, and were greeted at the door by a pair of beautiful alpacas.
David Green, managing director of YorkMix, welcomed everyone, including the Lord Mayor of York Councillor Margaret Wells and the civic party.
“YorkMix cover York and North Yorkshire on air and online. And what we do is to reflect life in the city and the wider county,” David said.
“But it’s the people here in this room this evening who give us something to report on.
“The most important people in this room are those who’ve been nominated and shortlisted for awards.”
Altogether 12 honours were given out to York and North Yorkshire heroes, in categories including The Incredible Child Award and Charity Fundraiser of the Year.
And everyone at the ceremony was able to vote for one finalist to be crowned the Ultimate Hero at the end of the night.
The evening was hosted by YorkMix Radio’s own Leigh Nicholson and Tim Lichfield. And our special guest was singer-songwriter Twinnie.
And the raffle raised hundreds of pounds for two great causes – Family Fund and Candlelighters. Family Fund aim to make life better for families with disabled or seriously children, and Candlelighters bring hope to families affected by Cancer in Yorkshire..
Thanks to all our sponsors, without whom this amazing evening could never have happened.
And now it’s time to meet those heroes…
The Best Boss Award
Winner: Sophie Hope-Budworth from Socktopus York
“Sophie is not just a boss but a friend. She provides endless support, consideration, compassion and smiles to all of her team members, and will go above and beyond to keep us safe, protected and heard. You often hear big companies sprout how ‘we’re all a family here’ and rarely does it ever fall true, but, with Sophie it’s not something she preaches but something she makes you feel. As a proud Yorkshire lass, born and bred, hearing the stories of this amazing city and the wonderful support she provides to all of our instore visitors is truly an inspiration.”
Finalists: Stuart Wood, Keira McKenzie
Sponsor: Wizu Workplace
Imagination Award
Winner: Sue Parton
“Sue has decided to exhibit her late husband’s extensive collection of F1 model cars that he made be stripping down kit cars and customising them; for a donation to Saint Leonard’s. Visitors can see the exhibition on a Saturday morning by pre booking online at Parton’s Pitstop. As a legacy to Nick, Sue came up with this really fantastic idea of showcasing his model’s to try and raise some much needed funds for St Leonard’s; an organisation both Sue and Nick greatly benefitted from in Nick’s last few days.”
Finalists: Sarah Schiewe, York Inspirational Kids CIC
Volunteer of the Year Award
Winner: Ann Barnett
“Ann works for the local residential home but always does extra work helping everyone. She volunteers for St John ambulance, giving over 1000 hours of free services and she takes 50+ children away each year that she doesn’t get paid to do, she helps so many young children around the Yorkshire area.”
Finalists: Heather Davidson, Zoe Bounds
Charity Fundraiser of the Year Award
Winner: Stuart Lambert
“An extremely worthy candidate who has made a significant difference within his local and wider community using his strength drive and passion to help others. A modest gentle giant who goes above and beyond initiating original challenges to test himself while always providing for others using physical and mental strength.”
Finalists: Dan Croxen-John, June Baker
Sponsor: Ate O’Clock
Outstanding Bravery Award
Winner: Paul Craven
“Paul saved a colleague at work when he had a heart attack by giving CPR and using the defibrillator until the ambulance arrived.”
Finalists: Tonie Martians, Jackie Lewis
Sponsor: Drovers Arms
‘In The Face of Adversity’ Award
Winner: Annette Oliver
“I am delighted to nominate Annette Oliver in recognition of her exceptional courage, resilience and unwavering dedication to her pupils. Her response to life‑changing medical challenges has been nothing short of extraordinary. Following a long and difficult battle to save her leg — including multiple surgeries and the amputation of several toes — Annette underwent a major leg amputation in Oct 2024. Fitted with a prosthetic training leg, she was back in school within two weeks of her operation. Showing exceptional character, Annette led a school visit to Normandy, co‑ran an exchange trip to Germany, and completed a gruelling charity walk for SSAFA in the Yorkshire Dales.”
Finalists: Liz Banbury, Natasha Troy
Sponsor: Genie Clean
Educator of the Year Award
Winner: Jeff Clark
“Jeff is an inspiration to many. Starting his school journey struggling with dyslexia and ADHD, to being kicked out of school due to lack of support for his needs. He has turned his problems into power and created an unbelievable business Art Of Protest. He has used the business for good by changing the street art game and educating the underrepresented through art. Over the last 8 years he has taught 10,000+ young people how to spray paint, use their voice and show that traditional learning isn’t the only way forward.”
Finalists: Rickie Wilson, Lizzie Banbury
Sponsor: Total Food Service
Incredible Child Award
Winner: George and Stanley Fisher
“Last December, they decided, from the goodness of their hearts, to do something to help others. Stanley said he wanted to help people who aren’t as lucky and George said that if everyone spread a little kindness, the world would be a better place. From that, their idea of 12 acts of kindness was born. Visiting a care home with cards and treats, made decorations to raise money for a hospice, and donated some of their own toys. They even did extra chores to raise money for more donations. They took treats to an animal charity, thanked blood donors, handed out handmade Christmas cards, sent care packages abroad, volunteered their time, and gave cards to hardworking care staff.”
Finalists: Dexter Enslin, Hope Day
Sponsor: York’s Chocolate Story
Outstanding Talent Award
Winner: Fulford School Ultimate Frisbee Team
“The Fulford School Ultimate Frisbee team is the definitive candidate for the Outstanding Talent category because they have transformed a niche school club into a world-class powerhouse thanks to their brilliant coach Mr Carson. Their achievement is statistically staggering: a single York school has produced 19 players for the Great Britain national squads this year – spanning the Under-17 and Under-20 Women’s and Open teams. This isn’t just local success; it is a total ‘frisbee takeover’ of the national stage.”
Finalists: Maggie Wakeling, Gabriel Tapper
Sponsor: Sunshine Day Nursery
Neighbour of the Year Award
Winner: David Walker
“Dave is the best neighbour in the world, he lives next door to two mature ladies and nothing is too much trouble, got a leak he will fix it, need a sign putting up he’s your man! Need a hole digging he’s there with the spade! Need your hedge cutting he will say how much! Need your car cleaning he’s there with the bucket and polish! Overall he will do anything you ask and never wants thanks, he deserves to be rewarded.”
Finalists: Cyndi Walton, Brian Smith
Sponsor: Hayley Owen Funeral Director
Parent or Guardian of the Year Award
Winner: Robert Arnold
“I think my dad should be nominated because he is the best parent that I have. I was adopted at 6 months old by him and my mum. My mum is currently quite poorly at the moment, so my dad has been doing the best that you can to look after her. And I’m currently poorly at the moment, so he’s currently looking after me as well. At the moment, but he’s been such a hero for me and my mum, throughout my 43 years. I couldn’t have asked for better people to have adopted me, looked after me, and cared for me.”
Finalists: Paul Langton, Robert Dickson
Sponsor: Web Adventure Park
Ultimate Award
Winner: Dexter Enslin
“Dexter has raised £8,665 for Candlelighters cancer charity after his six year old brother was diagnosed with Leukemia a month ago. Has received a message from English rugby union coach Kevin Sinfield praising his efforts and is still continuing to raise more.
Sponsor: Yorkshire Profiles
