Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2026 More Than a MomenT

2026 Award Winners

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2026
More Than a Moment

On Friday 24 April, the Celebrating Forces Families Awards returned for their fifth year, bringing together a community that so often gives quietly, supports relentlessly, and rarely asks to be seen.

Held at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, the evening was not just about recognition. It was about connection. From the moment guests arrived, there was a sense of something shared. Not just celebration, but understanding. As Chair Sarah Walker reflected, reaching a fifth year milestone is something to be proud of, built on “the strength, resilience, and spirit of our Armed Forces families community”. That spirit was everywhere.

The evening opened with an energetic performance from Marham School of Performing Arts, a reminder of the talent, opportunity and determination that exists within Forces communities, even in places that are often geographically isolated. Throughout the night, the energy continued to build, carried by hosts Sian Grzeszczyk Melbourne and Richard Jones, both returning not just as presenters but as part of the Forces family, bringing warmth and perspective. Richard’s magic show before the awards created a moment of pause, wonder and shared joy across the room.

And then there was something entirely new. As the evening unfolded, contemporary artist Dean Douglas painted live in the room, capturing the atmosphere in real time. Brushstroke by brushstroke, the artwork became a reflection of the night itself. Not polished or rehearsed, but real, evolving, and full of emotion.

None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors and partners. You are not just supporting an event, you are standing behind a community that gives so much, often without recognition. Thank you for choosing to invest in these families, to amplify their stories, and to help create a space where they are seen, valued and celebrated.

Because that is what this event does best. It brings real stories to the surface.

Stories of young people like Jack and Luke Woodhouse, whose resilience, compassion and determination set the standard for the next generation. Stories of community-led impact through NeuroDiverse Community CIC, ensuring no family navigating SEND feels alone. Stories of businesses like QinetiQ, embedding meaningful support into their culture, and individuals like Dionne Ross, building flexible futures around the realities of military life.

And there were powerful individual stories that stayed with the room long after the applause.

Lesley Collier, transforming isolation into connection through tireless volunteering. Lisa Brown, influencing policy at a national level to better support service families. Angela Lewis, driving change through advocacy and leadership. Shelley Ellis, supporting hundreds of families with unwavering compassion. Jo Gordon, turning personal adversity into systemic change for others. Katherine Sones, building community far from home. Padwives Unfiltered, creating honest, powerful spaces where families feel seen.

Each name announced was met with applause, but more than that, recognition.

The evening was attended and formally closed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of Defence Staff, who reinforced the critical role families play in Defence. In his closing address, he said, “The support you provide enables us to be operationally effective. It gives our people the confidence, the stability and the focus they need to serve our country.”

His words captured what was felt throughout the room. Behind every serving member of the Armed Forces is a family whose contribution is fundamental, enduring, and too often unseen.

As Nick Pett, Head of the MOD’s Families Team, shared, families “provide stability during change, reassurance during deployment, and a sense of home wherever duty takes them”. That is what the room held on Friday night. The people behind that stability.

The evening also reminded us that these stories do not end on the night. Through the CFF podcast and ongoing storytelling, the impact continues long after the final award is given.

This is not just an event. It is a platform, a community, and a movement that ensures Armed Forces families are not only supported, but truly seen. It is not just about celebrating what has been done, but about recognising what is possible when this community is given the space to be heard.

To every finalist, every winner, every supporter and every family. This was your night.