The Gateshead Awards - presented annually by the Mayor of Gateshead - celebrate all those who, in whatever way, have made a real difference to the lives of others in the borough.
Gateshead Award winners 2026
Carer of the Year - Bethany Dodgson
Bethany has not let her own health conditions preventing her from being a carer, helping to care for her mother and her brother as well as being great support to her grandfather, helping him go shopping and socialise with his peers. Despite working full time Bethany is also a trustee of the Young Carers trust and runs the Blue light charity at the Hilton.
Maureen Chaplin Sports Achiever of the Year- Isabelle Fisher
A phenomenal rugby player who represents Houghton u18s and is part of the 6 Nations u18s England women's rugby squad. Isabelle continues to study sports and exercise science at Gateshead College and plays county cricket for Durham and Northumberland.
Volunteer of the Year - Lindsay Blair
Lindsay created a breastfeeding support group, which has enabled new mothers to have support and create friendships. Boob club takes place each week and welcomes hundreds of mothers and babies throughout the year ensuring they have the right support from like-minded women who may have faced similar emotional difficulties.
Voluntary / Charitable Organisation of the Year - Wardley Wombles
Wardley Wombles have transformed overgrown land on public footpaths, planted flowers and shrubs, created a garden of Remembrance, removed litter and organised different community events to help people take pride in their local area and encourage everyone to love where they live.
Young Achiever of the Year (25 or under) - Wardley Primary VEX Robotics
A group of four children who competed in the 2025 VEX Robotics competition, making it all the way to the worlds in Dallas. The group competed in multiple competitions, locally, nationally and internationally and had to help raise funds for their trip.
Sports Club of the Year - Felling Amateur Boxing Club
Having refurbished a bingo hall, but keeping training going throughout the refurbishment, the boxing club have gone from strength to strength engaging with lots of young people and training a number of champions - most recently bringing home four gold, one silver and one bronze from the golden girls in Sweden.
Musician / Music Group of the Year - Kev Finnigan ('Kev the Care Home Entertainer')
Kev visits care homes to entertain all of their residents and helps to organise the Christmas lights for his local community.
Business in the Community Award - Winlaton Handyman Shop
Providing constant support within the local community, not just selling a wide range of products but providing excellent customer service and advice, helping people to save time and money. All of the staff go above and beyond to help their customers and meet their needs and contribute to local community groups.
Armed Forces in the Community - Michael Joyce
WO2 Joyce is key in delivering support to the local council for the delivery of the Annual Gateshead Remembrance Parade. These activities provide opportunity for cross community acts of togetherness, with the focus on Remembrance, and the encouragement of a sense of belonging.
Tackling Climate Change Award - Chopwell Community Food Growers
Chopwell Community Food Growers have transformed a community allotment - donating produce to the Chopwell Centenary community meal, the local community café or auctioning it to raise funds. Have also organised the purchase of items to encourage people to grow their own food at home and have set up a food preservation project rescuing food from the bin in a variety of ways and composting 2400 of compostable vegetables.
Lifetime Achievement Awards - Ed Lown, Brian Watson, David White and Vikas Kumar
Ed Lown
Ed has worked as a junior coach for over 30 years, both as a volunteer and through his job, where he helped introduce children in schools to athletics and fitness. Coaching takes a lot of time and effort, including running sessions at least twice a week in all weather, creating training plans, and attending competitions at weekends.
He has always coached with enthusiasm and dedication, taking pride in every athlete's progress. Whether it's improving a personal best by half a second or winning a gold medal, he celebrates all achievements equally.
Over the years, Ed has coached hundreds of children at Birtley Athletics Club, helping many develop a lasting love of the sport. Some of his athletes have gone on to careers in sport, with several representing England at international level.
Brian Watson
"Brian is an incredible man who has made such a positive difference in so many people's lives." A quote from Louise Harelanderson, Programme Lead, Community Health & Wellbeing, Gateshead Public Health.
Brian has volunteered with Diabetes UK for over 14 years. He is the Secretary of the Gateshead Diabetes UK peer support group, which meets at the QE Hospital. He is well known across Gateshead for raising awareness about diabetes by attending events, giving talks to community groups, and taking part in local health activities.
Over the years, Brian has contributed more than 18,000 volunteer hours. He runs the support group and is involved in local health and wellbeing groups, long-term condition meetings, and the Diabetes Development Forum. Through this work, he has helped improve care and access to services for people living with diabetes in Gateshead.
David White
David has been nominated for his outstanding dedication and service to the Felling community. For over 40 years, he has worked tirelessly to support others and improve the local area.
He plays an important role in maintaining and developing Felling Park, helping to raise funds and improve its facilities so it remains a welcoming place for families. His efforts have strengthened community pride and brought people together.
Known for his kindness and willingness to help, David is a respected and well‑loved member of the community. His positive attitude and friendly nature help reduce isolation and encourage social connection.
Vikas Kumar
Vikas has worked very hard to support the rights of Global Majority residents in Gateshead. He has organised local events like the Mela and Mini Mela, helped bring top musicians to venues such as the Glasshouse and Theatre Royal, and stood up for underrepresented communities. He is a great role model for promoting unity.
Vikas grew up in Bensham and is a proud local resident. He and his family represent the many people who have come from around the world and helped make our community more vibrant and welcoming.
He is the head of the charity GemArts, sits on several boards, and is the interim chair of Bensham Grove Community Centre.
Congratulations to all of the winners!
All winners were presented with their awards at our ceremony on Wednesday 25 June 2025.
Find out more about the nominees in each category
For further information please email the Civic Officer and Mayor's secretary at [email protected] or phone 0191 433 2011.
