From unsung heroes and tireless volunteers to extraordinary youngsters and those who have overcome remarkable challenges – the very best of the island community was celebrated at St Pierre Park on Saturday evening.
The 11th annual Guernsey Press Pride of Guernsey Awards saw 13 winners recognised for their outstanding contributions to island life, following more than 180 nominations and more than 11,000 public votes.
Among the most emotional moments of the evening was 16-year-old Taylor Glendinning being named winner of the Overcoming Adversity award.
The teenager, who has overcome her own mental health struggles and gone on to support other youngsters, was moved to tears as she accepted her award.
‘If you had told me a couple of years ago that I’d be here giving a speech about how I overcame my poor mental health, I wouldn’t believe you, because I didn’t want to be here any more,’ she said.
‘I’m in a lot of shock – very shaky but really, really happy. Never in a million years did I think I’d still be here to win this.’
Another deserving winner was Naomi Foley, who was named Parent of the Year.
Miss Foley is the mother of three-year-old triplets Aggie, Edith and Margo, whose lives were changed by complications during an emergency Caesarean section.
Margo has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and requires constant care, but Miss Foley’s dedication to all three of her daughters has been an inspiration to those around her.
‘They’re all incredible in their own ways, and I wouldn’t live without them – they make my world,’ she said.
Guernsey Press editor James Falla said the awards had become an important fixture in the island’s calendar over the past decade, reflecting the strength of its close-knit community.
‘These awards are what a local paper and a close-knit community such as Guernsey are all about – recognising people who do fantastic things in and for our community, from grandparents to medical professionals, from teachers to neighbours,’ he said.
‘All our nominees have lovely stories behind who they are or what they do, and we’re all proud to be sharing the room with you today.’
He thanked the public for its overwhelming support, highlighting the importance of nominations in ensuring deserving islanders continue to receive recognition.
And as the applause rang out for another year of extraordinary achievements, it was clear the Bailiwick has no shortage of people worth celebrating.
2026 Pride of Guernsey Award winners
ANGEL OF THE YEAR
In association with Titan Wealth
Jack Martel - Support, Time and Recovery (STaR) worker within the Oberlands Recovery and Wellbeing Service team
BAILIWICK COMMUNITY HERO
In association with Vega Technology
Richard Vahey - founder of Good News Guernsey and Guernsey Guardians groups on Facebook
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
In association with Intact Insurance
Liam Doherty - founder of the social enterprise Apollo
GRANDPARENT(S) OF THE YEAR
In association with CI Coop
Julie Hetherington
PARENT(S) OF THE YEAR
In association with FlyDirect Holidays
Naomi Foley
SUSTAINABILITY HERO OF THE YEAR
In association with Guernsey Energy
Rowan Tree Farm
YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
In association with St Pierre Park
Fundraiser Axel Le Gallais
ARTS CONTRIBUTION
In association with TPA
Lydia Jayne Pugh & Laura Simpson - for their Occupation era musical Radio Silence
CARER OF THE YEAR
In association with Specsavers
Foster parents Cathy Rirsch & Ben Martin
EMERGENCY HERO OF THE YEAR
In association with Medical Specialist Group
Sark Fire & Rescue - Sark’s emergency response team
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY
In association with Grow
Taylor Glendinning - 16-year-old mental health advocate and founder of the Talk About It group
SPORTS VOLUNTEER
In association with Victoria Park
Ben Duff - boxing coach and long-serving sports volunteer
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
In association with Guernsey Press
Tracey Collins - ballet teacher at the Avril Earl Centre
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