A marathon runner inspired by his twin’s leukaemia battle, parents fundraising in memory of their 5-year-old son and a volunteer who supports her fellow oncology patients have all made the finals of this year’s National Charity Today Awards in recognition of their work with Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT).
The official hospital charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie, ACT has been shortlisted in five categories altogether: Fundraiser of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, PR Team of the Year, Charity of the Year and the People’s Choice Award. The charity funds cutting-edge equipment, specialist staff, extra comforts and pioneering research that helps change and save lives, above and beyond what the NHS can provide.
With the National Charity Today Awards widely recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the UK charitable sector, to be shortlisted is, says ACT’s Director of Communications & Impact Paul White, a real achievement. “We have a small team and this is testament not only to their skills, but also their dedication; they are incredibly passionate about everything we fund, from the pioneering research projects to the children’s play specialists. More than that, it gives well-deserved recognition to our fundraisers and volunteers, without whom none of this work would be possible. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them all: our staff and our supporters are brilliant and these shortlistings recognise that.”
In the running for the People’s Choice Award - decided by a public vote, open from now until October 12 - is Alfred’s Potato Day. Inspired by their 5-year-old son Alfred and the random ‘pet potato’ he found in hospital grounds during his 19-month treatment for neuroblastoma, parents Carla and Dave Johnson launched the fundraiser in his memory last November. Inviting supporters to place potatoes anywhere and everywhere – from skyscrapers to dance studios – the event invited donations from participants and captured imaginations the world over. Crediting ACT-funded services such as play and laughter specialists with helping Alfred ‘smile through it all’, right up until his death shortly before his 6th birthday, the Johnsons hope Potato Day, which takes place on November 21 this year, will become an annual fixture.
Shortlisted for Fundraiser of the Year is Colchester’s Jack Sibbons, who ran the 2026 London Marathon for twin sister Amy De Silva and baby nephew Chester, whose lives were both saved by Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospitals. When Amy was diagnosed with leukaemia at 10 weeks pregnant, doctors told her she may not be able to keep her son, yet despite going through four rounds of chemo and recurrent sepsis, both mum and baby made it. Through sponsorship and events, Jack raised a staggering £43,000 in a matter of months for the charity.
Says Emily Wildigg, ACT’s Community Relationships Manager: “Our fundraisers are selfless with their time and generosity in helping to make a real difference to patients and families, often at very difficult moments in their own lives. It is a true privilege to celebrate their achievements and recognise their dedication. We’re incredibly proud of everything they do and grateful for the lasting impact they have on our hospitals.”
Cambridge’s Sally Laight is a finalist in the Volunteer of the Year category. Sally credits the NHS with saving her life ‘20 times over’ during a four-year battle with colon cancer, which saw her undergo multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and emergency care for septic shock. Based in Cambridge, she started volunteering to give something back to Addenbrooke’s, where she was treated, and within a year became ACT’s most prolific volunteer. Her voluntary work sees her support people waiting in Oncology, including fellow cancer patients.
Comments Volunteer Programme Lead Alex Innes: “In many ways, our volunteers help celebrate why Addenbrooke’s is such an important and valued hospital. They recognise the impact hospital staff have on our lives and those of our loved ones, and they want to show their support in a tangible way.”
Comprising just six staff members, ACT’s communications team has made the shortlist for PR Team of the Year. Between them, they operate multiple campaigns annually across all platforms, reaching millions – even billions – through print and digital press coverage alone. A focus on finding and sharing human-interest stories drives this engagement, with ACT’s Amazing People – the team’s own show on Cambridge Radio, developed and presented by PR and Communications Lead Danni Smith – a flagship.
Says Danni: “At the heart of everything we do is the special relationship we have, not just with hospital staff but patients and fundraisers too, who never cease to amaze us with their loyalty to Addenbrooke’s and our charity, as well as their dedication and willingness to share their personal experiences and journeys with us during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
“The fact that they are still able to think of others while navigating their own challenges is what makes all of them so special. So really, this nomination is for them. For the hospital teams and researchers who work tirelessly throughout the year to push the boundaries of what is possible for patients, and for our fundraisers who so selflessly share their experiences to raise awareness and to help others. The charity wouldn’t be what it is today, nor achieve half of what it does, without them. So, thank you.”
Finally, ACT is in contention for Charity of the Year. ACT has been supporting innovation in patient care at Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals in Cambridge for three decades. In that time, its supporters have raised more than £150 million to fund everything from cancer research and a robotic surgeon to children’s laughter and play specialists. The charity is now supporting the development of two new hospitals, both set to revolutionise care in the East
of England: Cambridge Children’s Hospital and Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.
The winners of the 2026 National Charity Today Awards will be announced at a gala final on October 14. Created to celebrate “organisations and individuals who demonstrate exceptional impact, innovation and dedication to making communities better”, the awards are sponsored by Sinclair Method UK and feature a rigorous judging process led by industry experts and sector leaders.
To vote for Alfred’s Potato Day in the People’s Choice Award click HERE
To donate to Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust click HERE
