Thirty-three remarkable individuals, groups, and local businesses have been honoured for their outstanding voluntary work and community spirit at the North Kesteven Community Champion Awards 2025.
A Night Celebrating Local Heroes
The finalists, representing hundreds of unsung heroes across the district, gathered for a celebration at The Hub in Sleaford. They were selected from nearly 100 distinct nominations across 11 different categories, each highlighting a unique way people contribute to making North Kesteven a better place to live.
The awards aim to recognise those who make a significant difference through generosity of spirit, voluntary action, and community-minded consideration. While 33 finalists were celebrated on the night, the event's core ethos is to shine a light on everyone who enhances lives and localities throughout the district.
Inspiring Words from the Champions
The winners shared their motivations, highlighting the personal joy and communal pride derived from their efforts. Community Spirit finalist Martyn Hurst captured the mood, stating, "I feel more alive when I’m doing something not just for me, but for the whole community. You are only on this earth once so make a difference."
Lee Taylor, a finalist in the Community Business category, said: “There are those that live through life not helping others, or looking after others, and I just want to make the biggest impact I can in the place that I live." Sam Pavlou from Sleaford's Waffle & Chill dessert bar added that while his job is making waffles, his passion is helping people and providing for the community.
Good Neighbour champion Stella Whitehead described her recognition as "like winning the Oscars," while Carol Nolan explained how volunteering with Fairfield Community Farm in animal care had "changed my life," building her strength and confidence.
Council Praise and the Power of Community
District Council leader, Councillor Richard Wright, addressed the finalists, telling them: “You are the people who make our communities happier, healthier and more supportive places to live. You really are the champions of, from and for our communities." He praised their inestimable contributions and expressed gratitude for the time they dedicate.
Councillor Wright directly linked the value of this voluntary endeavour to the council's recent proposals for reshaping local government across Greater Lincolnshire. He advocates for councils to remain closely connected to communities, stating: "As we know – and it is evidenced through actions such as yours – that connected communities are strong, supportive, collaborative and caring communities."
The awards programme, now in its 14th year, is funded by local business sponsors. Jef Todd, new business manager from long-term sponsor Lindum Group, thanked all nominators, noting the high quality of submissions makes selection very difficult. Compere Melvyn Prior called the evening "totally inspiring" and a celebration of "the very best in what makes us human."
Nominations for the 2026 NK Community Champion Awards are now open. This year saw around 150 nominations, including a new award category for animal allies and a dedicated group award. The 2025 awards were made possible by sponsors including Ruddocks, Ian Williams Ltd, Lindum Group, Branston Ltd, and MKM Sleaford.
For a full list of finalists and to make a nomination, visit www.nkawards.org.
