We are very excited to announce our shortlist of finalists for Contact's Together at 40 Awards!

We were absolutely overwhelmed by the 500 nominations received. The judging panel were often moved to tears reading about the amazing things families do for each other and have achieved. It was a really difficult decision for our judges to shortlist the 25 finalists.

At Contact we often hear about when things go wrong for families, such as when they are struggling to get support for their child. This isn't surprising as it's what we are here for.  But it seems right that during our 40^th anniversary year, we shine a spotlight on the many positives that come with being a family with a disabled child and on the wonderful parent carer community with which we stand and work together.

So thank you to everyone who nominated. We think that you are all amazing, and to show that we will be sending a certificate to all those who have been nominated.

The finalists have been invited to the awards ceremony, which is set to be a vibrant and inspiring evening. It will be held at the Palace of Westminster on Monday 8 July and will be hosted by Jane Garvey, BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour presenter.

THE TOGETHER AT 40 AWARDS FINALISTS

Parent Carer Award

Iain and Annie Petherick from Wiltshire

Rory Ellison from Sheffield

Jo Hercules from Aylesbury

Proudest Moment Award:

Jack and Tom Bosanquet from Nottinghamshire

Rachel Ronan from Wiltshire

Naomi Gwynne from Lanarkshire, Scotland

Sibling Award

Caleb Cunningham from Southport

Sebastian Black from London

Faith McFarland from Northern Ireland

Freya Middleweek from South Croydon

Sponsored by Fidelity International

Grandparent Award

Pamela Johnson from South Wales

Carol Brades from Hornchurch

Mr & Mrs Strong from Berkshire

Parent Power Award

Marcia Collins 

Hayley Wedgbury from London

Nascot Lawn Campaign from Hertfordshire

We Care about Rare

The Ashley/Turner family from North Lincolnshire

Hope Burchell from Chelmsford, Essex

Cameron Alderman from Bristol

Sponsored by BioMarin 

Excellence in Parent Carer Participation

Bristol Parent Carers

South Glos. Parents & Carers

York Parent Carer Forum