Sense Awards 2025

The winners and their awards

A man smiling and holding up a black box with purple tissue paper, containing a Sense Award. He is in a community centre with other people in the background

Paul Hikin – Person of the Year

Paul has been described as kind, caring and thoughtful, and a much-valued member of the Sense community.

A young boy with shoulder length blonde hair and glasses holding up a wooden and glass trophy which reads Sense Awards

Asa – Young Person of the Year

Asa is a carer to his parent, Ry, and enjoys channelling his energy into what he calls his ‘useful hour’ – where he does useful things around the house to help out the family.

Two girls pose in their living room. They are holding up wooden and glass trophies which read Sense Awards

Izzy and Phoebe – Young Siblings of the Year

Izzy and Phoebe have a very special bond with their sister Isla, who has autism and Robinow Syndrome. The sisters help administer medication, get specialist equipment, and provide emotional support.

A woman smiles at the camera. She has long brown hair and is holding up a wooden and glass trophy which reads Sense Awards

Julie Steward – Family Carer of the Year

Julie is mum to Sonny, her eight-year-old son who is deaf and has very little vision. Julie is passionate about helping other families like hers, using her experience to raise awareness and vital funds for Sense.

A man and a woman sit on a sofa together. The man has his arm around the woman, who is holding up a wooden and glass trophy which reads Sense Awards

Claire Reece and Steve Childerley – Fundraisers of the Year

Following Claire’s son Hugo’s sudden death, aged 15, in November 2024, Claire and her partner Steve ran the 2025 London Marathon in his memory. Claire carried Hugo’s photograph throughout the race.

A group of disabled people celebrating on Britain's Got Talent.

Sense Awards 2025: Media Moment of the Year – Electric Umbrella

You voted for your favourite media moment of the year, and you chose Electric Umbrella getting a golden buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent!

Mohammed Azeem – Campaigner of the Year

Mohammed, who is blind, has met with MPs and Ministers about his experiences, making sure disabled voices are heard by decision and policymakers.

A woman posing in front of water with a pile of canoes behind her. She uses a wheelchair and is wearing sunglasses.

Amy Pohl – Digital Voice of the Year

Amy is a disability activist who uses her social channels to show people that when life takes a different path, there can still be joy, community and purpose.

Grace Marner – Journalist of the year

Through support groups and disability schemes, Grace connected with others living with chronic conditions, inspiring her to ensure disabled voices are represented in the media.

A woman and a man standing in the corner of a garden. The man is holding up a trophy which reads ‘Sense Awards’ on it.

Martin Guy – Volunteer of the Year

Over the past year, Martin has become a near-constant presence at Sense College Aldeby, carrying out gardening, maintenance, and improvement work.

Chesterfield Golf Club – Community Group Fundraiser of the Year

Chesterfield Golf Club raised over £5,000 for Sense throughout the year through multiple fundraising events.

Calvert Trust – Community Impact of the Year

As a charity dedicated to enabling disabled people to achieve their potential through outdoor adventure, Calvert Trust brings values that closely align with those of Sense.