Unsung heroes honoured at Mayor’s Civic Awards 2026
Unsung community heroes from across Dudley borough were celebrated at the Mayor’s Ball and Civic Awards 2026, held in front of more than 250 guests at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill.
The circus‑themed evening brought together residents, community organisations, businesses and civic leaders to celebrate outstanding local achievement while raising thousands of pounds for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.
The event raised money for Mayor, Councillor Pete Lee’s chosen charities which are Alzheimer’s Society, Disability in Action Dudley, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, the Gurkha Welfare Trust and the Leukaemia Unit Appeal Fund.
The evening was supported by sponsors Jewson Partnership Solutions, Halesowen College, The Trade Centre UK and Sphere Group.
As part of the evening, the Mayor presented a range of awards to people who go above and beyond in their communities.
The winner of the William Shenstone Award for Environment was Wall Heath in Bloom, a volunteer group that maintains village planters and green spaces while encouraging wildlife and community involvement. The Thomas Attwood Award for Education went to Karen McAlinden, recognised for more than 25 years of inspiring and supporting young people through education and pastoral care.
John and Kerry Danks were named winners of the Duncan Edwards Award for Sport for running a not‑for‑profit football organisation in Cradley delivering inclusive community sport, including PAN disability sessions and holiday activities. James Rowley received the Mike Holder Award for Business after leading the refurbishment of Fens Pool Community Centre and continuing works when funding fell short to ensure it could reopen for residents.
The Cedric Hardwicke Award for Arts was presented to Emaleigh Conn for her contribution to arts, education and cultural inclusion at both local and national level. The Frank Foley Award for Community Spirit went to Ruth Hopper, who has volunteered for more than 20 years supporting children and families on the Russells Hall estate through inclusive holiday clubs.
The Mayor’s Award was won by David Spruce, founder of the Stourbridge military vehicle parade, which attracts vehicles and visitors from across the region while raising funds and awareness for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and local charities.
The YOU WM Award, set up in memory of Ben Corfield to recognise inspirational young people who go above and beyond to help others, was awarded to Amelia Cadwallader. Following her own heart transplant, she launched a Christmas gift campaign that collected more than 1,100 presents for children in hospitals across the region.
Councillor Pete Lee, Mayor of Dudley, said:
“Behind every strong community are people who give their time, energy and compassion without ever seeking recognition. Evenings like this give us the chance to pause and celebrate those individuals.
The stories behind tonight’s Civic Award winners are reminders that kindness, commitment and community spirit are alive and thriving right across Dudley borough, and that these quiet acts of dedication make a real difference to people’s lives every day.
“I’m really grateful to everyone who came along to help raise much-needed money for these very worthy causes too. Their generosity is helping charities continue the incredible work they do.”