Jason Blackburn, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Jason Blackburn has been instrumental in leading the fundraising efforts for the Everyman Theatre's new education and community centre. Under Jason's stewardship the project has reached the halfway point in it's goal of raising £1,000,000 for the refurbishment and operation of the facility. Jason has been a member of the Everyman Theatre's board for over 25 years and is a charity fundraiser by profession with over 30 years experience working for charities across the UK. He is also currently head of donations at WellChild, and an active member of the local community theatre scene for over 30 years having directed a number of productions at the Everyman Theatre, as well as performing on stage on a number of occasions.
Mira Showers team
Cheltenham-headquartered Mira Showers has co-ordinated and executed hugely successful fundraising initiatives to make a positive impact within the local community. Supporting causes that matter to people is embedded in its culture, and every year the company's associates come together to raise funds for a chosen charity partner, focusing on where they can have a significant impact. Over the past five years, Mira Showers associates have raised more than £320,000 for charity partners – a remarkable achievement that reflects the scale of commitment and generosity across the workforce. This long‑term impact is reinforced through colleague‑led volunteering days and the work of its active Business Resource Groups, which champion inclusion, wellbeing and community involvement. Its headline achievement was a charity partnership with Young Lives vs Cancer with team contributions matched to raise £72,306. While a collaboration with Cheltenham Town Football Club, involving a limited edition third kit campaign, contributed £3,000 towards the overall total raised.
Lydia Atkinson and Rosie King, The Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation
Lydia Atkinson and Rosie King have overseen a series of fundraising efforts benefiting The Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation. The 745 Game Fundraiser is the largest annual fundraising event delivered by the 4ED Foundation and its success is driven almost entirely by the dedication of a very small team, led by Lydia, head of fundraising and events, and Rosie, who until recently worked part-time as a fundraising executive. This team has delivered a nationally significant fundraising event, alongside many others, through year-round planning, relationship-building and sheer determination, despite limited capacity and resources. The 745 Game is the only cross-code rugby charity match in the country, hosted at Kingsholm Stadium in 2025, and its complexity required months of co-ordination with players, clubs, broadcasters, sponsors, volunteers and venue partners. Lydia and Rosie invested countless hours securing major local and national sponsors such as BigDug and Gallagher Insurance.
Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire team
In-line with celebrating 14 years of providing high-quality, fun and safe swimming lessons for babies, toddlers and young children across the county, over the past 12 months Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire raised £2,854 for Cheltenham & Gloucester Hospitals Charity for their Big Space Cancer Appeal and supported a lion on their Lions at Large trail. The Puddle Ducks team has also already raised £522 for The Pied Piper Appeal this academic year, and its mascot duck has visited Gloucester Royal Hospital to support the children's ward delivering Christmas gifts and crafts donated by customers.
Stephen Farnsworth of Grimes House Gallery, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity
Stephen Farnsworth of Grimes House Gallery has played a central role in generating income for Great Western Air Ambulance Charity. Most businesses are content to have a collection box on the counter and hope to raise a few pounds a month when they support a local charity. But, in the last three years, Steve started a significant campaign to raise funds, starting by selling old picture frames and holding collections in the gallery. He has doubled his fundraising every year until in 2025 he achieved an incredible £5,250, giving an average of £437 a month from his constant activity. In total he has now given more than £12,500 to GWAAC. With each lifesaving mission costing an average of £2,200, this has potentially helped to save more than five lives in the local community.
Tesco Quedgeley Knit & Natter Group
Tesco Quedgeley Knit & Natter Group has given so much over the years to the local community, as well as supporting overseas causes including Ukraine. They have knitted hats, gloves and scarfs for the men on the frontline. During Covid, the group played a massive role in knitting hearts for families who lost loved ones in hospital during the pandemic when no visitors were allowed. The group regularly support Gloucester Maternity Department making angel gowns and cribs for stillborn babies and hope the parents find comfort in knowing the ladies have made all these items with love. The group has supported the Poppy Appeal for 10 years, along With Cancer Research, Diabetes UK, Stroke, Dementia, Hope For Tomorrow, Macmillan and many more. The group is made up of 40 knitters who meet every week and in the last 12 months alone have raised an impressive £18,000.
Hannah Savigar-Jones
Hannah Savigar-Jones is a 38 year-old old mother of two who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2015. Hannah committed to run the London Marathon 2026 in order to raise money for the MS Society who have been a great help to her over the last 10 years, aiming to raise £2,500. Alongside working full time in the NHS and training for the marathon, she has organised and run numerous other fundraising events such as cake sales, poetry workshops and yoga classes, with all proceeds going to this worthwhile charity.
The Tufthorn Inn, Coleford, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity
Through its landlord, Jack Crook, The Tufthorn Inn has delivered impressive fundraising results for Great Western Air Ambulance Charity. Regular events include a Christmas raffle with prizes donated from across the community creating a prize mountain that fills half the bar and raises around £3,000 for the charity! In total, Jack, his family, the pub and its regulars have now given almost £27,500 to GWAAC. With each lifesaving mission costing an average of £2,200, this has potentially helped to save more than 12 lives in the local area.
Visit soglos.com/lifestyle-community-awards to cast your vote in this year's awards.
