Newark Cancer Research volunteers among winners at East Midlands Charity Awards

Volunteers from Newark's Cancer Research UK store were among winners at the well-supported East Midlands Charity awards last week as attendees gathered at Nottingham's Crowne Plaza.

The premiere event attracted over 230 people across the East Midlands on Thursday June 27 where charity devotees celebrated their successes with a three course dinner and awards ceremony.

And doing Newark proud for charitable services was the Cancer Research team on Stodman Street, who won the Shining Star award in the Volunteer Team of the Year category for their hard work within the community.

Aims of the first-time event were to promote and raise awareness for charities and non-for-profit organisations, to honour and recognise outstanding professionals and practices within charities and to show appreciation to organisations, social leaders and individuals across the sector who have made a positive impact on their communities.

"It was a delight to see such an overwhelming response to inaugural awards," said event founder Phoebe Benta. "The atmosphere at the event was inspiring. The collaboration that will take place between charities after this event will be incredible."

The energy in the room was electric as it welcomed entries from Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, who in 14 different categories competed for the top spots.

Among those attending was the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, councillor Rosemary Healey, who made some positive closing remarks focussing on community and collaboration within the charity sector. Members of Junior Chamber International Nottingham also engaged the audience with a presentation on the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development goals.

Here are the event's overall winners:

• East Midlands Charity of the Year Winner - Mesothelioma UK

• Small Charity, Big Impact Winner - Lewis Foundation

• Fundraising Team of the Year Winner - Cancer Research UK

• Fundraising Event Winner – Framework

• Outstanding support by SME Winner - Glynis Wright & Co

• Volunteer Team of the Year Winner - First Step ED

• Charity Director of the Year Winner - Ben Slade, SkillForce Development

• Volunteer of the Year Winner - Pauline Hardy, Age UK

• Young Charity Ambassador of the Year Winner - Lizzie Miles, Mesotheliama UK

• Charity Trustee of the Year Winner - John Stokes, Fresh Time UK

• Best Social & Digital Media Winner – DEDA