We’re kicking off 2026 on a high note! Some incredible members of The Joshua Tree community have been shortlisted for the Community ReAwards, with our charity proudly recognised in four categories.
Nomination for Oscar Clarke
Young Volunteer of the Year (Age 17)
Oscar Clarke is an extraordinary young man whose strength, compassion, and quiet determination make him a deeply deserving nominee for Young Volunteer of the Year. At just 17 years old, Oscar has faced challenges that many adults would struggle to navigate with such maturity. Following the devastating news that his younger brother Riley was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, and later relapsed in February 2025, Oscar and his family turned to The Joshua Tree for emotional and practical support during an unimaginably difficult time.
Riley’s relapse required specialist treatment in Glasgow, meaning long periods of separation between the brothers and with parents, all when Oscar was preparing for his A Level exams. Despite the emotional strain, worry, and uncertainty this brought, Oscar has shown remarkable resilience. He has a deep understanding of Riley’s diagnosis and the impact it has had on his whole family, and his love and protectiveness for his seven-year-old brother shines through in everything he does.
Oscar began running as a way to support his mental wellbeing. What started as a coping mechanism soon became a powerful sense of purpose. Oscar took on the Northwich 10k in June, dedicating his run to The Joshua Tree. Training alongside his studies, Oscar completed the race with determination, and raised an incredible £760!
Claire, the family’s support worker at The Joshua Tree, said: “I’m incredibly proud to be the Clarkes’ family support worker. It was an absolute honour to watch Oscar run the Northwich 10K, standing beside his mum, dad, and little brother Riley as they cheered him on, held up signs, and watched him cross the finish line. The atmosphere was beautiful. Seeing Oscar and Riley smiling together with his medal, knowing Oscar was running for families like his own, was truly powerful.”
Since then, Oscar has gone on to complete multiple 10k races, using each one as a way to process his emotions, build resilience, and transform personal hardship into positive action.
Oscar’s story demonstrates that volunteering and fundraising are about far more than money raised. They are about hope, community, and finding strength in the face of adversity. Oscar embodies the true spirit of young volunteering, showing that even in the hardest moments, compassion and determination can create something truly meaningful.
We are incredibly proud to nominate Oscar Clarke for Young Volunteer of the Year.
Nomination for Chris Baldwin
Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year
Chris Baldwin is an outstanding volunteer whose commitment, reliability, and kindness have made a remarkable difference to The Joshua Tree. Volunteering with us for several years, Chris is known and valued by every member of staff and by the many families who benefit from his presence.
Chris has contributed across almost every area of our charity. Each week, he ensures our centre is clean, safe, and welcoming before families arrive, an essential role that saves our team significant time and resources. He regularly supports fundraising events, donates prizes, helps run stalls, and assists with event logistics. Chris also supports our Family Support team, preparing spaces and offering a friendly, familiar presence that families genuinely look forward to seeing.
This year, Chris also undertook extraordinary personal fundraising challenges. His participation in the Arctic Trek and his incredible “Snowdon 6” challenge, (climbing Snowdon up and down six times in a single day), raised an outstanding £12,000! This achievement alone has had a transformative impact, contributing to additional support sessions, expanding our services, and reaching more families affected by childhood cancers.
Chris shared: “Volunteering at The Joshua Tree reminds me how powerful kindness can be. It grounds me, gives me purpose, and lets me be part of something that genuinely helps families from all walks of life.”
Chris brings warmth, respect, and positivity to everything he does, never seeking recognition, yet leaving a lasting impression in every corner of our organisation. Children and parents consistently comment on how welcome, safe, and cared for he makes them feel.
We are incredibly proud to nominate Chris Baldwin for the Impact Award.
Nomination for Jane Beecroft
Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year
Jane Beecroft is an exceptional volunteer whose enthusiasm, dedication, and generosity have made a lasting and meaningful impact on The Joshua Tree. Following our BBC Children in Need DIY SOS Big Build, Jane immediately recognised the significant ongoing financial commitment required to sustain and operate our beautiful new centre. With clarity and initiative, she stepped forward to help secure its long-term future, playing a pivotal role in obtaining long-term sponsors for individual areas of the building. Through her natural warmth, confidence, and ability to build genuine connections, Jane has raised an outstanding £78,000 and introduced us to a wide network of new supporters, businesses, and community partners.
Jane shared: “Volunteering at The Joshua Tree is incredibly rewarding. I love knowing that the time I give helps support children and families when they need it most, and I feel so lucky to be part of such an incredible, caring team. I’m truly proud to be part of this wonderful organisation.”
Jane’s contribution goes far beyond fundraising. She is also a much-loved member of our Family Support team, attending weekly family sessions and bringing joy, laughter, and positivity wherever she goes. Her energy is infectious, her approach is inclusive, and her ability to connect with people of all ages makes families feel instantly welcome and at ease. She adapts effortlessly to every situation and gives her time generously and wholeheartedly.
Jane’s dual support across both fundraising and family activities makes her truly special, and she strengthens The Joshua Tree. We are incredibly proud to nominate Jane Beecroft for Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year.
Nomination for Whitegate CoFE Primary School
Youth Group of the Year
We are delighted to nominate the Year 6 class of Whitegate CofE Primary School for their outstanding volunteering and fundraising efforts in support of The Joshua Tree.
This remarkable group of young people chose The Joshua Tree as their Charity of the Year after one pupil delivered a powerful and inspiring speech about our work. Following thoughtful discussion, the class voted unanimously to support us, demonstrating empathy, initiative, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Throughout the year, the pupils organised and delivered a wide range of fundraising and awareness activities within their school community. Their largest event, an autumn fair, showcased exceptional creativity and teamwork. The pupils designed, built, and ran their own games and stalls, taking pride in every detail. Across their activities, they raised over £800, an incredible achievement for a primary school class!
Head Boy Arlo said: “It was incredibly rewarding to know that we are making a real difference in people’s lives.”
When the Year 6 pupils visited The Joshua Tree to present their cheque, they impressed staff with their maturity, respect, and genuine curiosity. They asked thoughtful questions and showed real interest in learning about the families we support.
Class teacher Michael Heathcote praised their dedication: “The children gave up their own time and energy to raise as much money and awareness as possible. Visiting the centre showed how special and unique The Joshua Tree is.”
Year 6 class at Whitegate CofE Primary School are exceptional role models and a true credit to their school. Their fundraising has made a meaningful difference to families affected by childhood cancers, and their kindness has reached far beyond their local community. Thank you!
Charity Group with Over 50 Volunteers
This nomination recognises the DIY SOS Children in Need project in 2025, which brought together an unprecedented number of volunteers and community supporters from across the UK. They gave not only their time, but also their skills and resources, helping make our new building a reality. The project doubled the size of our Cheshire Support Centre, providing an incredible opportunity for The Joshua Tree to support even more families affected by childhood cancer, including overnight accommodation. This nomination is a testament to the power of community collaboration in making a real difference for families.
Thank you to everyone involved and a huge congratulations on the nomination!
The awards evening will be held on 30th January 2026 at Vale Royal Abbey, and we couldn’t be prouder of all our finalists.
