Announcing the 2026 Volunteer Awards Shortlist

We are delighted to announce the shortlisted nominees for this year's Volunteer Awards, taking place on Tuesday 02 June at the Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff. 

Every year, our volunteers remind us why we do what we do. From our shops and choirs to our fundraising groups and head office teams, they give their time, energy and heart to support people affected by cancer. This year's nominees are no exception - and we are incredibly proud to introduce them. 

The winners will be announced across six categories: Integrity, Inclusive, Collaborative, Supportive, Innovative and Group Volunteer Award. 

Inclusive 

This award is kindly sponsored by Centregreat

Margaret Reardon (Abergavenny Sing with Us) 

Margaret is the kind of person who makes everyone feel seen. She regularly reaches out to choir members who have stopped attending due to illness or injury, letting them know they are valued and missed. These quiet, consistent acts of kindness form the backbone of the choir community and inspire others to keep coming back. 

Michelle Fay (Sherborne Shop) 

Michelle has volunteered for over 20 years, and this past year put a special spotlight on her dedication. After breaking her ankle and later dislocating her shoulder, she refused to step back. She planted herself outside the shop during Breast Cancer Awareness Month - dressed in pink, arm in a sling - and raised a record amount in donations from passers-by. Her warmth, determination and commitment to the team are extraordinary. 

Anna Baldos-Robinson (Nantwich Shop) 

Anna has dedicated her time to training and coaching volunteers, with a particular focus on making sure those with additional learning needs feel like the essential team members they are. New volunteers consistently comment on how warm and welcoming she is during their first weeks. She is a vital part of what makes the shop work.

Collaborative

This award is kindly sponsored by Berry Smith Lawyers

Hanna Norberg-Williams (Head Office, Individual Giving)

Hanna is the kind of volunteer every organisation hopes for but rarely finds. Dependable, thoughtful and proactive, she handles detailed data entry with exceptional accuracy, calls supporters with warmth and confidence, and independently conducts research to keep our systems up to date. Her contributions are foundational - and without them, the team's success simply wouldn't be possible.

Charlie Bolton (Bedminster Shop)

Consistency, reliability and a love of teamwork define Charlie's contribution to our Bedminster shop. His flexible, positive and approachable nature has made him the go-to person in both good times and challenging ones. He has stepped into leadership roles when needed, covered for both the assistant manager and shop manager, and done it all with a can-do attitude and a warm smile.

Claire Jones (Llandeilo Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care)

Fundraising is tough at any time - but Claire has a rare ability to bring people together even under pressure. Over the past 12 months, she has led the Llandeilo Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care group to raise more than £30,000 for the charity. By building meaningful relationships with local schools, businesses and community members, and leading a memorable Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign, she embodies what collaboration looks like in practice.

Supportive

Stephen Fowler (Fundraising)

Stephen's commitment to Tenovus Cancer Care is rooted in personal experience – we were there for him and his wife Natalie after her cancer diagnosis, and he has been paying it forward ever since. In 2025 alone, he completed both the London and Las Vegas Marathons, organised a charity golf event, and arranged for his company to sponsor the Merthyr Half Marathon. He and Natalie have shared their story at several events, touching many in the audience and raising greater awareness of our services. He has no plans to slow down in 2026.

Heulwen Wyatt

As a former specialist nurse diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2022, Heulwen brought both professional expertise and lived experience to her recovery. She now gives regular talks to healthcare practitioners, offering a patient perspective informed by her medical background, and plays an active role in our Senedd and advocacy events. She recently joined the All-Wales Cancer Community. In her own words: "I'm a better person and I now want to use my story to help empower those who find themselves on a similar journey to mine."

Annette Boulden (Treorchy Shop)

Annette has grown steadily in her responsibilities at the Treorchy shop and now closes up and posts nightly sales figures with ease. But it is her crafting that has truly captured the hearts of customers - her crocheted cupcakes, Welsh dolls, Easter gifts and seasonal items sell almost as fast as they can be displayed. People come in specifically to buy her creations, and every penny goes to the shop. She is a kind, passionate and creative talent who has become an essential part of the team.

Innovative

This award is kindly sponsored by Lyons Bowe Solicitors

Rhys Howell Owen (Tenovus Cancer Care London Committee)

Rhys is a passionate and well-connected advocate for our work in London. When he had the idea of hosting a charity event aboard a friend's luxury yacht, he ran with it - securing sponsorship to cover all costs, ensuring every penny of profit went to the charity. Tenovus on the Thames raised a fantastic £12,000 and is already being discussed as a possible annual event, helping to grow our presence and network in the capital.

Graham Harwood (Data Analysis Team)

Spreadsheets and flowcharts might not be the first things that come to mind when thinking about volunteering for a cancer charity, but Graham's work behind the scenes is essential. He has helped build process notes, test programmes and identify gaps that might otherwise have been missed, all with enthusiasm and good humour that lifts the whole team.

Margaret Marshall (Haverfordwest Shop)

Margaret has volunteered at our Haverfordwest shop for 14 years, giving a minimum of 12 hours a week. Alongside her sister, she brings a creative flair to the shop's inventory - handcrafted knitwear, patchwork quilts, mastectomy pillows and seatbelt cushions for those recovering from surgery, as well as a selection of home-made marmalades. Every item is one of a kind with 100% of proceeds going to the shop. As a bowel cancer survivor herself, she brings warmth, empathy and a lifetime of experience to everything she does.

Group Award

This award is kindly sponsored by Evol Wales

Flint Shop Volunteers (Retail)

When our Flint shop manager took extended leave to focus on her own cancer recovery, the whole volunteer team came together to keep the shop open and thriving. Their dedication, compassion and collective commitment meant customers saw no difference. It is a powerful example of what a strong team can achieve when it pulls together.

Pembrey and Burry Port Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care

This group's passion and creativity have been on full display over the past year, with a varied and impressive programme of fundraising events including race nights, mediumship evenings, pub quizzes, Christmas fairs and a Breast Cancer Awareness Month gala concert. They are a shining example of the local community connection that makes Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care groups so important to us.

Volunteer Development Team Volunteers (Head Office)

The coordination and recognition of our volunteer network does not happen by accident. Josh, Andrea, Dianne and Charlotte work behind the scenes to advertise, recruit and recognise volunteers across our programmes - supporting data entry, recruitment, auditing and volunteer role descriptions. Each brings a rich set of skills and experience, freely given in the spirit of the Tenovus Cancer Care mission. Without them, we would be far less able to source and support the volunteers who help make everything possible..

We are so proud of every single one of this year's nominees. The Volunteer Awards take place on Tuesday 02 June at the Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff - we cannot wait to celebrate with you all.