Thank you to our sponsors
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our sponsors who, without their incredible support, the Freedom Ashford Hero Awards simply would not have been possible. Thank you to:
- Stagecoach South East
- The KPC Group
- Rumble Wrestling
- Active Kent and Medway
- Ashford Sport, Events Hospitality
- NFU Mutual
- Biddenden Vineyard
Thank you for your generosity, belief in the event, and commitment to celebrating the amazing people within our community. Your support helped us create a truly special evening and shine a spotlight on our local heroes.
Pictured Right: Oyster Bay Photography - Emily Phillips and Amber Newman - Ashford Hero Awards 2026 Hosts.
Our 2026 Winners are:
Bravery In Action
Marley Cook and Ben Sparkes
Cultural Contribution
Confidance
Diversity and Inclusion
Unite Ashford
Fundraiser of the Year
Lewis and Zoe Steeper
Heart of the Community
Samuel Bunting
Inspiring Educator
Lloyd Dehara
Public Services Hero
Ashford and Tenterden Samartians
Safeguarding and Welfare in Sport
Bev Latham
Sustainability Champion
Singleton Environment Centre
Tenterden Vine
Beth Rice
Volunteer of the Year
Jack Dale
Young Hero
Rubie Tucker
The Ashford Hero Awards are about saying thank you. They recognise people who step up, care about others and make a difference every day. The stories we heard tonight show just how strong, kind and generous our community really is.
Ivan Horsfall-Turner
Thank you to our staff
A huge thank you must also go to the Freedom Ashford staff, whose dedication, teamwork and passion brought the Freedom Leisure Hero Awards 2026 to life. From planning and logistics to delivery on the night, your hard work behind the scenes did not go unnoticed. Your commitment to celebrating our community heroes is exactly what makes Freedom Leisure so special, and we couldn’t have delivered such a memorable event without you.
Pictured Left: Oyster Bay Photography - Freedom Ashford Team pictured with Steven Bartholomew (Ashford Borough Council).
Thank you to our entertainment, photographers and sound/lighting technicians
We would like to say a huge thank you to our amazing performers, photographs and sound/lighting technicians who generously volunteered their time and talent to be part of the Ashford Hero Awards 2026.
Dannii Woodward Photography
@dannii_woodward
Delta Entertainment
@the.delta.official
Amber Louise
@amberlouisesinger
Emilia Cain-Heritage
@emiliacainheritage
Oyster Bay Photography
oysterbayphotography.co.uk
Disco Tech
A special moment...
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