Heart of Doncaster Awards 2026
A note from the CEO
It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to this year’s Heart of Doncaster Awards. This evening is about celebrating the people, organisations, and communities who truly represent the best of Doncaster, those who consistently go above and beyond to make our city a place defined by compassion, resilience, and pride. As we mark the fifth year of these awards, I find myself reflecting on the spirit that runs through Doncaster. It shows up in so many ways: in volunteers giving their time across our programmes, in neighbours supporting one another, in businesses driving positive change, and in the opportunities created every day for people across our city. The heartbeat of Doncaster has always been its people, their passion, their generosity, and their belief in what this place can be. For me, the Heart of Doncaster Awards have never been just about recognising achievements. They’re about stories. Every nominee carries a story of commitment, kindness, and perseverance. They remind us that leadership doesn’t always come with a title. It can be found in classrooms, community groups, places of worship, small businesses, or in the consistent actions of someone who simply wants to make life better for others. This evening wouldn’t be possible without the support of our headline sponsors, award sponsors, partners, and judging panels. Your commitment ensures that we can properly honour the achievements of our finalists, and your belief in Doncaster and its people is what allows us to create a platform like this. Thank you for standing with us. As CEO, I’m incredibly proud of what these awards represent. They remind us that progress isn’t only measured in infrastructure or investment, it’s also found in the kindness, creativity, and courage that flow through our communities. Tonight is a chance for us to come together, celebrate those who inspire us, and reaffirm our shared commitment to building an even stronger Doncaster for the future. To all finalists and nominees, thank you. Whether you take home an award tonight or not, please know that your contributions matters deeply.Your work, your spirit, and your dedication are what make Doncaster not just a place to live and work, but a place to belong.
John Davis
How you can support us Your donations can help us continue our vital work within the community.
£5
could fund a participant’s Walk & Talk session, which tackles social isolation and dementia
fund a targeted youth mentoring session for vulnerable £25 could children across the community
£100
could fund two young people’s entire youth engagement experience
£500
could fund a First Aid course for new mums who attend our Fit Families programme
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How can we work together? We are looking for individuals or businesses to partner with us for the year either as a Patron, Bronze, Silver or Gold member. At the Foundation we believe a good working relationship delivers better outcomes than donations alone.
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So, what is the Choose Kindness movement? Choose Kindness is a city-wide movement which champions the power of kindness to break down barriers and bring people and communities together. As part of Choose Kindness, everyone across Doncaster is encouraged to support the values of the movement and spread the spirit of kindness across the city. Visit the website www.yourlifedoncaster.co.uk/choose-kindness for more information.
At the heart of Doncaster At Club Doncaster Foundation, we continue to deliver outstanding community impact across Doncaster, using the power of sport, education and positive engagement to transform lives. We want to be inclusive in our approach, care about what we do and who we work with, be professional and be different, by pushing boundaries as we continue to work with and across the whole city.
• Over 14,683 participant engagement across the programmes we deliver in Doncaster. • A 100% pass rate across all sport qualifications with the Sports College. • Hundreds of volunteer hours contributed by our dedicated volunteers. • Citywide delivery from grassroots sessions and school sport to wellbeing groups and social action projects.
New area of delivery
Elevate Pathways Our Elevate Pathways programme sits within the Advanced Employment Hub’s Pathways to Work scheme and offers holistic, person‑centred support for people looking to take their next step towards employment. Participants can access 1‑to‑1 guidance, focused 6‑week cohorts, open employability workshops, and additional wellbeing support. Every journey is tailored. We work with individuals at a pace that feels right for them, focusing on the barriers and goals they identify to help them progress into training or employment. The programme is available to anyone aged 16+ who is not in work and/or studying fewer than 18 hours per week. Get in touch to see how we can support you or someone you know.
FINA CDF Active School of the Year Award
New Pastures Primary School
Field Gate School
New Pastures has shown a strong commitment to helping children enjoy sport, stay active and feel included. Working closely with the foundation, the school has made the most of its PE lessons and wider opportunities, while taking time to consider how every child can benefit from sport and fitness.
Field Gate is creating a culture where every pupil can discover the joy and benefits of being active. The school understands that physical activity is about more than traditional sport, finding creative and imaginative ways for children to move, play, explore and develop skills in ways that suit their individual needs.
This led to Playground Leaders training, giving pupils the skills and confidence to support others during sporting activities. The children learned how to organise and play games appropriately, while also understanding how to include pupils of different ages and abilities.
Its inclusive approach ensures pupils can take part, experience success and build confidence. The school also works with pupils, parents and the wider community to encourage activity beyond the school gates, helping families embrace a more active lifestyle together.
Through this initiative, New Pastures is helping children become more confident and considerate leaders, while creating opportunities for everyone to take part. By encouraging children to support one another, the school is helping build a stronger sense of inclusion, teamwork and community.
We’re proud to be finalists! The hard work that the staff and the support from the Foundation, we’ve given our children fantastic opportunities in everything from leadership skills to healthy eating alongside a range of sports and activities.
What makes Field Gate particularly impactful is its focus on making activity accessible and enjoyable for everyone. By putting the wellbeing, needs and enjoyment of its pupils at the heart of its approach, the school is helping create positive attitudes towards physical activity that can last well beyond the classroom.
I think it shows that all the opportunities that we give for our young people, all the different enrichment activities, getting them active getting them involved in stuff that they don’t tend to do.
LISTS CDF Young Volunteer of the Year Award
Thomas Green
Ava, Elliott, Mason & Poppy
Thomas began his volunteering journey by helping on matchdays in the kennel and supporting other activities, where he quickly showed confidence when interacting with families and participants from across Doncaster. His willingness to get involved has seen his role grow, and he has since supported camps, helped participants and played an important part in setting up sessions.
Ava, Elliott, Mason and Poppy have shown what young people can achieve when they are given the opportunity to make a difference. Through the Premier League Inspires programme, they developed a volunteering project focused on supporting young people’s mental wellbeing and encouraging peers to share worries, offer support and find positive ways to manage challenges.
Thomas consistently gives his own time to support others, putting in hours beyond what is expected and showing a genuine willingness to help wherever he is needed. Whether supporting matchday activities, helping at schools or assisting with sessions, he approaches each opportunity with enthusiasm and commitment.
Their idea created a safe and anonymous space within their school, where students could share concerns on Post-it notes and leave suggestions to help others facing similar difficulties. They presented their project to 90 students, staff and judges at Club Doncaster Sports Village before representing Doncaster Rovers at the national celebration event at Everton.
It’s a great example of how a young volunteer can make a positive difference through simply being willing to step forward and get involved. He’s a hardworking and dependable young person whose contribution is already making an impact, and it shows how much he values supporting his community.
I feel honoured to think that people I have been helping out throughout the past year, feel like I deserve to be nominated.
Their journey is meaningful as they also supported one another. All four faced challenges with confidence and selfesteem during the project, yet continued to work together, showing resilience, compassion and commitment while creating something that could genuinely help their peers.
It feels like finishing a race, even though everyone else should be faster than you.
FINA CDF Fit Rovers Participant of the Year Award
Dave Buckle It’s a story of consistency, determination and commitment. As the very first participant across Fit Rovers to attend sessions consistently, Dave has now reached an incredible milestone of 1,000 attendances. For Dave, turning up has become more than simply attending a session. His continued commitment has made Fit Rovers a regular and positive part of his life, showing the power of perseverance over time. His achievement has also made him an inspiration to fellow participants. He demonstrates how small acts of consistency can build into something remarkable, and his attendances represent years of dedication and loyalty.
Alan Ball Alan, known as Bally, has become a much-loved and important part of the Fit Rovers community, both as a participant and as a member of the Fit Rovers Committee. He is always willing to support others and help improve the programme, but his greatest strength is the way he connects with people. Bally makes a point of speaking to everyone who attends Fit Rovers, helping create the sense of community that sits at the heart of the programme. His kindness is particularly evident when people are facing personal struggles or welfare issues. He reaches out by phone, encourages people back into sessions and, when health difficulties prevent attendance, has even visited people to make sure they are okay.
His commitment, positive attitude and determination have made a lasting impression, showing others what can be achieved by simply continuing to turn up and never giving up.
A strong and energetic character, his enthusiasm is infectious. His presence helps bring people together and makes Fit Rovers a stronger, more connected community.
I feel very honoured and proud and amazed to have been nominated for the Heart of Doncaster Awards.
I feel honoured and it’s a privilege to be in the top two, when all participants at Fit Rovers are winners.
LISTS CDF Youth Pathways Award
Liam Wood
McKenzie Christie
Liam’s journey with the Foundation is a story of perseverance, dedication and believing in what he could achieve. He joined as an apprentice coach and, when he was unable to secure a full-time coaching role at the end of his apprenticeship, he chose not to give up. Instead, he remained part of the coaching team as a casual coach, continuing to take on hours across a range of projects.
McKenzie’s journey with the Foundation is a powerful example of how opportunity can help a young person grow into someone who inspires others. His journey began as a participant on the Premier League Kicks programme, before progressing through Sports College, completing an apprenticeship and becoming an established Lead Coach.
His commitment and willingness to go above and beyond quickly made an impression. Partners, particularly staff from the Smile Group, praised the positive relationships Liam built with participants, his ability to engage them and the quality of his coaching. Liam’s hard work has now been rewarded with a full-time coaching position within the Foundation. His journey shows how perseverance can turn a setback into an opportunity. From apprentice to full-time coach, Liam has continued to prove himself through his work ethic, dedication and determination to make a difference.
I feel absolutely emotional because I didn’t expect to be given this opportunity to earn an award while being at the Foundation.
Today, McKenzie leads the same Premier League Kicks programme that once supported him, helping other young people follow their own paths. His ability to build positive relationships has made him highly respected by colleagues, participants and partners. He has helped develop new opportunities within schools, including inter-school competitions, and has also made a strong impact within SEND provision through his patient and engaging approach. McKenzie continues to develop, with plans to shadow experienced youth workers and broaden his skills. From being a young participant to supporting the next generation, his journey shows what can happen when talent, commitment and opportunity come together.
It’s really great. I feel really proud to be a finalist.
FINA Choose Kindness Award - Adult
Julie Keegan
Sandra Crabtree
For 36 years, Julie has been the heart of Stainforth, transforming lives through kindness, compassion and unwavering dedication. At the Resource Centre, she has created a welcoming place where people of all ages feel supported, included and heard.
Sandra has dedicated her time, energy and personal finances to giving vulnerable hedgehogs a second chance. In her own garden, she has self-funded a purpose-built “hogspital”, where injured, sick and orphaned hedgehogs receive specialist care and rehabilitation. Through her dedication, countless hedgehogs have been given another chance at life.
She brings people together and creates opportunities like seaside trips, theme park visits, market outings and a community Summer Fair, raising funds for the local Junior Football Club. Her Winter Warmth group has also become a lifeline for more than 30 people each week, offering food, friendship and support during the colder months. Her kindness reaches beyond Stainforth too, from knitting tiny hats for premature babies to leading a Christmas Pyjama Drive for children in hospital. Julie truly embodies community spirit, making a lasting difference through countless acts of kindness.
It’s fantastic. Somebody’s realised how hard I work. I feel honoured that people have thought about me.
Working closely with local veterinary practices and fellow hedgehog rescue organisations to ensure each hedgehog receives the best possible care. When they are ready, she arranges their release into suitable, wildlife-friendly gardens where they can thrive safely. Much of Sandra’s work is funded personally, including food, medication, equipment and housing, while she gives her time freely, often responding to calls for help at all hours. Her compassion and selflessness have made a lasting difference to vulnerable hedgehogs and inspired others to care for local wildlife.
I feel honoured, the fact that somebody has thought enough of me to even nominate me.
LISTS Choose Kindness Award - Young Person
Dylan Bee
Sophia Agate
Dylan’s story is one of resilience, ambition and giving back. Living with ADHD and high-level autism, he has faced challenges that could have limited his ambitions, but instead he has turned his passion for food into a growing street food and catering business, serving events across the community.
For the past six years, Sophia has been making a remarkable difference to children across Doncaster. Every Christmas, she has organised a toy appeal, collecting & providing gifts to children in the local community and in hospitals. Through her dedication, more than 5,000 children have received a present, helping to bring joy to those who may otherwise have gone without.
Once a month, he provides free meals for vulnerable and elderly people in the local community. For people experiencing loneliness, social isolation or financial difficulty, these meals create an opportunity to come together, talk and feel connected. Still young, Dylan has already developed a strong sense of social responsibility. He has built his confidence, created a business from the ground up and found a way to use it to make a difference. His story shows that challenges do not have to define what someone can achieve.
It’s such an honour to be nominated, even as a finalist too, it’s a big achievement for me because it’s the whole of Doncaster and I’m so proud to take the next steps for SoulBowl too.
Her kindness and determination have already been recognised, including through a Pride of Edlington Award and an appearance on This Morning. But her story isn’t about the number of gifts she has helped provide. It is about a young girl choosing, year after year, to think of others and make a difference. At just 10 years old, Sophia is showing how compassion, generosity and community spirit can create an impact far beyond her years.
I feel happy that I’m a finalist but the stuff I do, I don’t do it for me, I do it for the joy of others.
FINA Choose Kindness Award - Business
Addicted to Recovery Dale Barker has turned his own frustration with the way recovery support was being delivered into a movement that is giving people new hope. Determined to create something better, he left a paid job to establish Addicted to Recovery, dedicating himself fully to building a stronger recovery community in Doncaster. The past year, Dale & his partner have worked had to develop the group, with time & energy into creating something that can make a difference. Their efforts are attracting attention across Doncaster, bringing people together around journeys towards recovery. Importantly, the impact is already being felt. It has helped many people maintain their abstinence and continue moving forward when times can be difficult. For those who have found support, connection and encouragement through the movement, it represents far more than a group. It offers hope, belonging and the belief that recovery is possible. I‘m really overwhelmed, because I don’t do this for rewards. I do it because it’s needed. To find out that people take something away from what we offer, its overwhelming and continues to inspire me to keep doing what I do.
EE EE Skills4Life is helping young people across Doncaster build the confidence, resilience and skills they need to thrive in work and life. Delivered entirely by EE employee volunteers, the programme has provided more than 250 hours of support to over 650 students in the past 12 months, across mainstream and SEN education settings. Volunteers deliver CV workshops, interview preparation, career guidance, confidence and resilience sessions & internet safety support for families. Schools report improved confidence, communication and readiness for employment, while young people who were once reluctant to engage are finding their voices and & clearer ambitions. A particularly strong partnership with The Ridge Employability College has become embedded in its annual curriculum, supporting SEN students aged 16 to 24. With growing demand from education providers, Skills4Life is creating lasting opportunities, strengthening community connections and helping Doncaster’s young people believe in what they can achieve.
We are incredibly proud to be named finalist for this year’s awards. Skils4Life was built on the belief that every young person deserves the confidence, skills and opportunity to be ready for work and life. To see the difference our team is making across Doncaster and it being recognised in this way means a great deal to us and only drives us further to do even more in our community.
LISTS Choose Kindness - School
Thorne Green Top
Hatfield Woodhouse
Green Top has made kindness part of everyday life, inspiring its pupils to look beyond the classroom and make a positive difference in their community. From creating handwritten thank you postcards to visiting care homes, the children are encouraged to think about others and show that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
Hatfield has shown a growing commitment to kindness and supporting the wellbeing of its pupils and wider community. During Mental Health Week, the school took part in a workshop creating an opportunity for children to learn about an important issue and feel supported in discussing their wellbeing.
Pupils also took part in litter picking to care for their local environment and create artwork to brighten and beautify the community. These activities are helping children understand the value of giving their time, showing appreciation and taking pride in where they live.
The school also took part in a Premier League Primary Stars Social Action Project, giving pupils the opportunity to explore how they can contribute positively to others and their community.
The school is nurturing a generation who understand that they can make a difference. Its approach has created a culture where kindness is celebrated, shared and put into practice, bringing people together and making the wider community a warmer, more caring place.
The school has also supported opportunities that bring pupils together, including girls’ activities where their hard work was recognised with an award. These acts demonstrate a school that is encouraging kindness, wellbeing and positive action, helping children develop a stronger sense of care for themselves, each other and their community.
Kindness is at the heart of everything we do. It’s one of our traits in terms of compassion but also one of our habits of work and learning to be kind aswell.
We’re really proud and excited to be finalists in the Heart of Doncaster Awards. Our children have worked incredibly hard and are incredibly kind to each other in school.
FINA Choose Kindness Award - Community Group
Balby Thriving Together
Thorne & Moorends Community Foodbank
Susie is at the heart of her community in Balby, creating a place where people know they can turn when they need support. Twice a week, she runs the BTT community café, welcoming everyone whether they have money to spend or not. It is a simple act of kindness that ensures nobody is excluded and that people have somewhere to come together.
Thorne and Moorends Foodbank is powered by volunteers who give their time, week after week, to make sure people in their community do not have to face hardship alone. They collect food donations and surplus food from supermarkets, turning it into free weekly food parcels for families, single parents, pensioners and individuals experiencing financial difficulty or crisis.
For many, Susie from Balby Thriving Together is the person they know will help when things become difficult. Despite facing her own health issues, she continues to put others first, believing that helping people helps her too. Her compassion is shown in countless ways, including delivering more than 100 toys at Christmas to children who might otherwise have received nothing.
The foodbank also provides a community hub, welcoming people for three hours each week and connecting them with services offering support with mental health, housing, recovery, loneliness and domestic violence.
Susie’s kindness reaches far beyond any single act. She creates warmth, support and hope for those around her, quietly making a difference whenever someone needs a helping hand.
It was a complete surprise, I don’t expect anything. We’re all volunteers here and we all work very hard to help our community.
At its heart are volunteers who give freely, some despite being elderly themselves, because they believe no child should go hungry and no pensioner should have to choose between heating and eating. Their compassion is shown through countless acts of kindness, week after week, helping people through difficult times without asking for anything in return.
We’re absolutely thrilled to be a finalist. Our volunteers give up their free time to help others in the community that are struggling. So yes, we’re absolutely delighted.
LISTS Well Doncaster - Voluntary Community Faith & Enterprise (VCFE) Award
Found my Niche
Addicted to Recovery
Tracy has created a place where people experiencing grief do not have to face their darkest moments alone. After losing her own loved ones, she understands the pain her group members are living through, bringing both experience and training to the support she provides.
Addicted to Recovery is creating a safe and supportive space for people seeking recovery from substance addiction. Founded by Dale, ATR now holds group sessions three times a week at community centres, bringing people together to share experiences, build friendships and support one another in their ambition to live clean and sober lives.
For one member, who lost her daughter in December 2023 and her husband in July 2026, finding the group became a vital source of comfort during overwhelming grief, stress and anxiety. When anxiety feels unbearable, she knows there is someone to talk to, whatever the hour. After struggling to find suitable support through larger national organisations, the local group offered something that was missing: people who understand, listen and are there when needed. Tracy is not simply a group leader. She is part of the community she supports, sharing her own experience of loss while helping others navigate theirs. For those who never wanted to need such a group, Tracy has created a place of friendship, understanding and hope when it matters most.
I feel proud and very humbled to have been nominated once again and just a bit lost for words!
ATR organises weekly Sunday walks, works with a wellness and Reiki practitioner to provide group sessions, and carries out community work including feeding homeless people and visiting assisted living facilities. Dale’s ability to connect with others has made a particular impact, with staff noting that residents who rarely speak have opened up and talked with him. ATR relies solely on donations, with Dale’s focus firmly on supporting people rather than financial gain. For those in recovery, the organisation provides something invaluable: connection, understanding and a network that makes the journey feel less lonely.
I‘m really overwhelmed, because I don’t do this for rewards. I do it because it’s needed. To find out that people take something away from what we offer, its overwhelming and continues to inspire me to keep doing what I do.
FINA CDSC Student of the Year Award
Henri Crisp
Nathan Lee
Henri has had an outstanding year at the Sports College, consistently demonstrating excellent attendance, punctuality and work ethic. Despite overcoming personal issues, he has continued to excel in his studies, achieving distinction grades and showing a strong commitment to his education.
Nathan consistently demonstrates a fantastic attitude both in the classroom and within the academy, setting a positive example for those around him. His approach to his studies is marked by strong application, commitment and a willingness to go above and beyond.
Henri has also taken on additional opportunities, travelling to XP to complete his coaching sessions and excelling in his work experience. His ability to maintain his focus and continue performing strongly despite personal challenges demonstrates his determination and commitment. Throughout the year, Henri has shown that hard work, perseverance and a positive approach can lead to impressive achievements. His progress at the Sports College, combined with his success in coaching and work experience, makes this an excellent year of development and achievement for him.
As a role model to other students, he shows the value of having a positive attitude and taking pride in his education. His consistent effort and approach to learning have made him stand out, while his willingness to give that extra effort demonstrates a commendable level of dedication. Through his attitude, application and determination, Nathan continues to set a strong example for his fellow students and demonstrates what can be achieved through commitment and hard work.
LISTS CDF Fundraiser of the Year Award
Chloe Arthur
Mark Johnson
Chloe has spent the past year as the Fit Rovers Committee Fundraising Officer, where she has played an important role in modernising how the committee raises and manages funds. Working alongside Louise Power, Foundation Fundraising Officer, she helped introduce new systems that made donating easier and more accessible for participants.
An avid supporter and fundraiser for the Foundation, Mark has consistently found ways to raise money and support the work of the organisation. In the past, he’s taken part in fundraising challenges for the Foundation, showing a willingness to put himself forward to help raise and champion the work being delivered in the community.
One of her key contributions was helping set up a JustGiving page and QR code, allowing participants to make bank transfers more easily rather than relying on cash. She’s supported a wide range of fundraising activities, including raffles, Super Six initiatives, charity football matches and sweepstakes.
Last year, his commitment to fundraising also saw him raise more than £500 for Prostate United. This year, he is continuing that commitment by taking on another challenge, preparing to take part in the Doncaster City 10K.
Her efforts have helped the Fit Rovers Committee achieve its biggest annual fundraising total, with the money raised being reinvested back into the club. Chloe’s work has not only helped modernise fundraising but has also encouraged greater participation and supported the continued development of Fit Rovers.
I feel very honoured. It was quite a surprise, I really didn’t expect it.
His continued support demonstrates a genuine commitment to helping others and backing causes that matter to him. Through his fundraising efforts and willingness to take on challenges, he has become a strong supporter of the Foundation and a champion of the positive work it does.
I‘m really pleased and honoured to be a finalist at the Heart of Doncaster Awards.
FINA Darren Warner Volunteer of the Year Award
Dale Barker
Sheena Moore
Dale dedicates his life to supporting people in recovery, those struggling with addiction and people experiencing homelessness. He gives his time seven days a week to support people.
Sheena has become a familiar and respected figure in Stainforth through her tireless commitment to improving the community she cares so deeply about. As leader of the Stainforth Grotbaggers, she regularly litter picks across the area, often daily and in all weather, helping create cleaner, greener and more welcoming public spaces.
Alongside volunteering with people experiencing homelessness, Dale runs his own peer support group for people in recovery and previously worked at Aspire as a Recovery Group Work Facilitator. Drawing on his own lived experience of addiction, he has remained sober for 10 years and is passionate about showing others that recovery and change are possible. Dale believes people should never be defined by addiction, mental health or past mistakes. He sees the person behind the struggle, listens without judgement and helps people recognise their worth and potential. His determination to challenge stigma and remind people that recovery is possible is at the heart of everything he does. He gives people hope, support and a reason to believe in a different future.
To be recognised for an individual award, that’s even more special because Addicted To Recovery, it’s not just me, it’s everyone that gets involved with it, but to be recognised for something I do and stand out alone, that’s even more powerful.
She also works with Doncaster Council’s Street Scene team to support the management of community flower beds and coordinate the collection of the many bags of litter gathered through the group’s work. She also encourages others to get involved, recruiting volunteers and inspiring residents to take pride in their surroundings. Sheena personally maintains community planters, using her own time, effort and resources to plant flowers, create colourful displays, water and care for them, even during hot, dry weather. Through her quiet determination and generosity, she is not only improving Stainforth, but inspiring others to care for the place they call home.
I was surprised to learn I had been nominated for an award and even more so when I was told I was a finalist. Thankyou to all who nominated me.
LISTS Eric Randerson Special Recognition Award
Mark Johnson Mark’s journey with Fit Rovers is a powerful story of growth, independence and determination. He first joined the project in January 2017, initially attending sessions with his carer. Today, Mark attends independently and remains a regular participant, having now attended more than 500 Fit Rovers sessions. Mark has completed the Fit Rovers course and gone on to become a VET, becoming a familiar and popular member of the Fit Rovers community. His journey has also seen his confidence grow significantly from when he first started. Mark is passionate about supporting the Club Doncaster Foundation and regularly works to raise funds for the organisation, despite this being a particular challenge for him. His commitment to giving back makes his achievements even more meaningful. From needing support to attend sessions to becoming an independent participant, VET and dedicated fundraiser, Mark’s journey shows the difference that opportunity, perseverance and the right support can make. He is a true champion of the Foundation and an inspiration to others.
I‘m really pleased and honoured to be a finalist at the Heart of Doncaster Awards.
Nathan Kennedy Nathan is helping create a more inclusive and connected Doncaster, giving people opportunities to participate, build confidence and feel they belong. Through DICE, he brings adults with additional needs together, creating opportunities to take part in activities, develop independence, build friendships and enjoy meaningful experiences. His work extends through Theatre Squad, where adults can express themselves creatively, learn new skills and grow in confidence. Nathan also organises weekly dance sessions and social events, providing welcoming spaces where people can have fun, make friends and enjoy time together. His commitment to inclusion also reaches young people through Theatre Camp, a residential experience for children passionate about acting and performing. Nathan ensures every child has an important role. Nathan is creating a community where people feel valued, included and supported, helping adults, children and families across Doncaster find friendship, confidence and belonging.
I feel quite honoured. It feels nice to be recognised for what I do in the community, and it kind of follows the three mottos that I always use throughou the last 20 years I’ve been doing it, is doing the right things, in the right way with the right people. I’m super honoured.
A YEAR IN
PICTURES
Be part of something bigger Every pound raised for Club Doncaster Foundation helps change lives across our community. From supporting young people to reach their potential, to helping older adults stay active and connected, your fundraising makes a real difference right here in Doncaster. By choosing to fundraise for the Foundation, you’re joining a team that believes in opportunity for all, on and off the pitch. Whether it’s taking on a sponsored challenge, hosting a quiz night, or rallying friends and colleagues to get involved, every effort counts. Together, we can inspire hope, improve health, and create brighter futures across Doncaster.
Start your fundraising journey today and help us help more peoples lives across Doncaster. Contact our Fundraising & Events Officer to register your interest: louise.power@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk
A huge thankyou to all our sponsors of tonight’s awards.
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