2026 Heart of KAB Awards

Our Heart of KAB Awards is the highlight of our year. It’s such an honour to hear about the achievements of people we’ve supported.

The night was a great success and we’d like to thank our headline sponsor Kent and Medway Local Optical Committee and Primary Eyecare Kent and Medway for their ongoing support. Also thanks to event partner Specsavers Kent stores, award sponsors Givaudan and Optelec, entertainment sponsor Nova IT Solutions and Independent Insurance Services for sponsoring the table drinks.

Our Betty Betts (named after our former Chair of Trustees) category is our most prestigious award. It goes to a person with a sight impairment in recognition of their outstanding person achievements.

The winner of the Betty Betts Award went to Kelly, who is a real inspiration. Not only is she a fantastic artist who attends the KAB Art Groups, she also set up a social group in her local area and facilitated online peer support groups.

A big congratulations to Kelly for winning this award, and to the two finalists, Richard and Alison. Richard’s progress after rapid sight loss just 3 years ago, is remarkable. Last year, he did a tandem skydive for KAB and has helped to share the work of KAB at our Golf Day.

Alison has shown extraordinary resilience in overcoming significant barriers as a result of her sight impairment and workplace inaccessibility. She also uses her lived experience to advocate tirelessly for improved inclusivity and accessibility for others.

The Young People Awards are always enjoyable, with joint winners in both age categories. When asked how the winners felt, 11 year-old Freddie delighted the audience by saying: “I’m really proud of myself. I’ve had such a wonderful time!” And 3-year old Elodie was clearly very excited to be on stage and told the audience she wants to be “Mummy” when she grows up!

The joint winners of the over 13 category went to Owen and Archie. Owen’s dedication to fundraising for KAB is remarkable and he’s already planning his next adventure. Archie, who was unable to attend the awards ceremony, has done especially well in learning new routes to school and to his work placement, where he excelled and showed great confidence. Our finalists, Avneil, Jaydip and Kristan have shown that their visual impairment is no obstacle to their achievements. Avneil told the audience about his goal to attend Oxford University and Kristan gave a shout out to KAB’s Rehab Workers, saying “I wouldn’t be here today without Mark and John.” Jaydip said his award was ‘good and unexpected’ and his father was extremely proud of him.

The Outstanding Fundraiser category had joint winners, for two very special families who have children who are being supported by KAB. They have collectively raised over £37,000. Jessica told us: “We just want to give so much back to KAB. We’ve had support from the first day of diagnosis. They have come to us. We’ve never had to ask for anything; there’s always been support for us. It’s not just Elodie, it’s all of us. We’re lucky to live in Kent and have KAB support us.” Emily’s family were the joint winners and told us: “They have supported us from day one. They have a very special place in our hearts. Any opportunity to fundraise and give back and a special shout out to Jen, (KAB’s Children’s Worker)!” Our finalist in this category is the Orpington Band, whose former conductor and musical director, Roy, was a client of KAB and an inspiration to other band members. For over 6 years, the Band has been supporting KAB through annual carol concerts and we’re so grateful for their ongoing support.

A huge thank you also goes to Kishan, who, through his company Student Chambers Life-Long Learning, has funded multiple soft play sessions for children. Kishan’s daughter is only recently diagnosed as visually impaired, and Kishan was keen to help provide sessions for other sight impaired children. Congratulations to Kishan as the winner of the Appreciation category. He said: “I want to say a big thank you to Nicola (KAB’s Children’s Worker). If it wasn’t for Nicola, the soft play sessions and activities wouldn’t be possible.” The finalist in this category is Canterbury Tennis Club, who run and subsidise weekly term time visually impaired tennis sessions, which are enjoyed by all who attend.

There are so many organisations who go the extra mile to support us, and we’re so grateful to each and every one of them. A massive thanks goes to CES Medical , who climbed England’s highest peak – Scafell Pike, raising over £3,000 for KAB. CES Medical were the overall winners of the Philanthropic Partner award and we can’t wait to hear about their next big fundraising challenge!

A special shout out to our long-standing supporters, Kevin, who has raised nearly £2,000 through his personal collection box and to the team at Minster’s Dragon Inn who not only promote our collection box at their restaurant, they also top-up the donations each time its collected. Unfortunately our finalists were unable to attend our awards ceremony, so we look forward to giving them their trophies over the coming weeks.

The winner of our Befriender category went to Lesley who provides compassionate, dedicated support to a gentleman in a care home. Her patience and unwavering commitment has a profound impact on the gentleman’s wellbeing. Congratulations also to finalist Daryl, who has been volunteering with KAB for over 12 years as a befriender, a social group volunteer and a fundraising tin collector. We thank Daryl for giving up her time to brighten the lives of others.

The volunteers, who help out either behind the scenes or at events aboard Iris – our mobile sight centre – were winners of the Spirit of KAB award. Kath, Barbara and Marguerite – this trio are always ready to roll up their sleeves and help whenever and wherever they are needed. Not only do they help out with Iris, they also help with social groups and fundraising events. Their commitment, enthusiasm, humour and generosity make a real difference to the lives of people we support. We’re incredibly grateful for everything they do.

The winner of the Volunteer of the Year category went to David, who is a long-standing collection tin volunteer covering around 150 locations. He is such a kind, reliable and proactive volunteer, truly valued by KAB. Our finalists were Ellen and duo Dee and John. Ellen is a counsellor who continues to support us as a counsellor in a volunteering capacity. Her creativity and calming spirit help ease clients during difficult times. Dee and John are dependable volunteers, with over 45 collection tin sites in their area. Their commitment extends beyond this vital role, as they have also supported KAB at many events over the years.

Congratulations to Wendy Daws Art for volunteering for 20 years with KAB. Wendy is a professional artists who runs the MESS ROOM CIC, an inclusive space for fun, accessible, and innovative artistic workshops.

Her volunteering started with setting up an art group in Medway and has now expanded to Gravesend, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells and Bromley.

There is so much that goes into running these groups and they are extremely professionally run, inclusive, welcoming and are much-loved by all who attend.

Wendy’s passion for art and for helping visually impaired people is limitless. Her ability to turn ‘what if?’ into ‘look what we’ve achieved’ is nothing short of remarkable.

Wendy’s dedication and kindness make a real impact on everyone she meets. We’re delighted to choose Wendy for this special recognition award. Thanks Wendy!

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