Stories of courage, kindness and inspiration filled the function room at Tregenna Castle in St Ives on Friday as Cornwall’s Rewind Radio hosted its 2026 Cornwall’s Heroes Awards.

The annual awards celebrate those making a difference across Cornwall, recognising individuals, charities and community groups for their outstanding contributions. Categories included Volunteer of the Year, Child of Courage, Fundraising Hero, Team Spirit, Sports Personality and Lifetime Achievement.

The evening began with a performance from Rock Choir Cornwall, which welcomed guests as they took their seats for the celebrations.

Attendees were treated to a three-course meal, while Laura Kate entertained the room with a powerful vocal and guitar performance.

The awards ceremony was compered by Cornwall’s Rewind Radio Daytime Presenter Jack Murley, who introduced each category and welcomed sponsors and presenters to the stage throughout the evening.

This year’s event also raised money for inspirational causes and thanks to the generosity of guests £2,598.92 was raised for the Motor Neurone Disease Association through the auction and raffle, while a further £442.39 was raised for Charlie’s Star, the charity that would later go on to receive the evening’s top honour.

Charlie’s Star was linked to 4 awards including ‘Health & Wellbeing Hero’, ‘Lifetime Achievement’ Award for Co-founder Baz Burns, ‘Team Spirit Award’ and the prestigious ‘Winner of Winners’ award was presented to Charlie’s Star, a charity which provides fully funded respite breaks for bereaved families across the South West who have lost a child under the age of 19.

Reuben , Founder Director of Carers Break CIC who are a fund raising partner with Charlie’s Star, addressed the audience prior to the auction of a 7 day holiday that Carers Break had already purchased in support of ‘Charlie’s Star’. The auction raised a further £442.39 and the winner immediately donated the holiday back to Carers Break CIC who will now conduct two separate online raffles in December 2026 and January 2027 for two separate 7 day holidays that must be won. All proceeds of both raffles will be donated to ‘Charlie’s Star’ charity. Tickets priced at £5 each will be available online from 1st December 2026 on Carers Break website and Carers Break CIC social media platforms.