Say hello to three of our inspiring Contact Award finalists!

Louise from Armley, was nominated in our Friendship First category by her friend Lora, whose son Phoenix has quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Lora said:

“Louise is such a supportive, thoughtful friend to me, my son, my daughter, and my partner. She uses her time off to help us, plan accessible days out, and lift my spirits when I’m struggling. Despite not having a disabled child herself, she’s become a passionate advocate – contacting the council about inclusive play and accessible spaces so I don’t have to.

“She’s helped me navigate benefits, shared her contacts, and stood by us from the very beginning. Louise never judges, always shows up, and cheers us on loudly. She’s a diamond, and we’re so lucky – she deserves the world.”

Jeff and Chris, from Wakefield, have been shortlisted in the Grandparent category by their daughter Lyndsey for their extraordinary devotion and lifesaving care for their twin granddaughters, Ruby and Sophia, who have complex medical needs. Lyndsey said:

“My parents have shown extraordinary love and support. They’ve resuscitated their twin granddaughters multiple times, managed complex medical needs, and provided constant care. During a four-month hospital stay, they visited daily with homemade meals and emotional strength. After discharge, they stepped in so I could return to work.

“Even now, with nursing care in place, they remain our rock – always ready in emergencies and celebrating every milestone. Their selfless, steady love has not only enriched Ruby and Sophia’s lives but given us the strength to keep going.”

Alma from Lisburn, Northern Ireland, is a finalist in the Parent Changemaker category of our awards. She was nominated by her friend Jaclyn, who wanted to honour Alma’s tireless campaign work through Caleb’s Cause NI – a movement fighting for the rights of disabled young people to education and support beyond the age of 19.

Jaclyn said:  “With no legal entitlement to education or support beyond 19, families face a cliff edge in care but Alma is changing that. While caring full-time for her son, she has mobilised thousands, engaged politicians, spoken at TEDx Stormont, and become a powerful voice for reform. Her work exemplifies the spirit of the Parent Changemaker Award: community-led, courageous, and profoundly effective.

“Alma has created momentum for change that cannot be ignored. Compassionate, strategic, and relentless, Alma is not just raising awareness she’s leading real change. Her work deserves national recognition.”