Celebrating the People Who Make a Difference: The BBF Awards 2026
On 15 October, the BBF community came together for the 11th Annual BBF Awards, celebrating the incredible individuals, businesses and supporters who help us make a real difference to children experiencing emergency care.
Proudly sponsored by Patrice Coughlin of Rayden Solicitors, the evening brought together our BBF community to recognise the generosity, commitment and community spirit that underpin everything we do.
It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate another year of fundraising, collaboration and impact, while looking ahead to an exciting new chapter for BBF.
Celebrating our Sterling winners
We were delighted to recognise outstanding supporters whose contributions have made a significant difference to BBF.
Top Fundraiser – Karl Ward, ORS
Congratulations to Karl Ward of ORS, our Top Fundraiser. Karl is currently Captain of Moor Hall Gold Club who has raised an incredible over £11,000 for BBF. This remarkable achievement demonstrates Karl’s dedication to our cause and will help us reach more children when they need comfort and reassurance most.
Corporate Supporter of the Year – Upstride, Mark Blake
Congratulations to Mark Blake and Tom McElroyof Upstride, recognised as our Corporate Supporter of the Year. This award celebrates the valuable contribution of our corporate supporters and highlights the difference that businesses and individuals can make when they come together behind a shared purpose.
Looking ahead: The Buddy Fund
The awards evening was also an opportunity to share BBF’s exciting plans for the future, including the launch of our Buddy Fund.
Building on the success of our Buddy Bags, the Buddy Fund represents an important step in our long-term strategy to strengthen BBF’s impact and create more opportunities to support children experiencing emergency care.
As BBF looks beyond its first decade, we remain committed to developing our work, reaching more children and building a lasting legacy. The Buddy Fund is part of that ambition, supported by the generosity of our community and the partnerships that help make our work possible.
Every Buddy Bag makes a difference
At BBF, each Buddy Bag costs just £25 and provides essential items, comfort and reassurance to a child arriving at a women’s refuge during an incredibly difficult time.
Every donation, fundraising effort and corporate partnership helps us continue this vital work. Our awards evening was a powerful reminder that behind every Buddy Bag is a community of people who care.
Thank you to our supporters
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Patrice Coughlin and Rayden Solicitors for sponsoring the evening, to our award presenters and nominees, and to everyone who continues to support BBF.
Congratulations again to Karl Ward of ORS and Moor Hall Golf Club and Mark Blake of Upstride, and thank you to all our supporters for helping us make a difference.
Together, we are building on our legacy, developing new opportunities through the Buddy Fund and ensuring BBF can continue to support children for years to come.
hello@buddybagfoundation.co.uk
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