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Our Founder’s Awards are presented at events throughout the year to Members who have excelled in their endeavours.

These awards serve as a wonderful reminder of the boundless spirit of our remarkable founder, Sir Arthur Pearson. They also give us a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all that's great about our charity. 

All those nominated for Founder's Awards are chosen by you. Read on for information about the categories and how to nominate.

Jules Lee holding his certificate at Founder's Awards 2023
Craig Lundberg holding the Ted Higgs Trophy at the Founder's Awards 2023

Blind veterans Jules and Craig at a previous Founder's Awards ceremony

Award categories

Inspiring Community Award

For a Member who has voluntarily contributed to the local Community Life Beyond Sight Loss Award.

Life Beyond Sight Loss Award

For a Member whose sight loss journey has led them to excel in discovering or re-discovering a skill or activity following sight loss.

 

Creative Award

Recognition of endeavour in a creative activity such as art, handicrafts, sculpture, writing, photography or music.

Sporting Achievement Award

This award celebrates an exceptional sporting achievement during the award year.

Outstanding Achievement Award

This goes to a blind veteran who has achieved an outstanding level of independence via their participation in an activity. It could go to a new recruit who has demonstrated outstanding achievement within the first 12 months of joining the charity, or it might go to a long-standing beneficiary who has demonstrated outstanding achievement within their long service with the charity.

Camaraderie Award

In recognition of a Member who has enabled, helped or supported another Member on their sight loss journey.

Volunteers Award

Awarded to a Blind Veterans UK volunteer who has gone above and beyond what's expected of them to better to lives of others.

Carers Recognition Award

In acknowledgement of a family member, relative or friend of a Member who has selflessly provided an exceptional level of care to enable a Member to live with dignity.

Ted Higgs Prize

Awarded to a war blinded Member in recognition of lifetime achievement. Member Ted Higgs donated the trophy to Blind Veterans UK in 1944, following his loss of vision during the WWII conflict.

Ted served in the Royal Artillery and the trophy represents his goal to ensure war blinded veterans can prosper when faced with sight impairments.

This award will be given out at one of our Centres of Wellbeing.

How to nominate

If you've been impressed by a fellow Member and would like to give them the recognition you feel they deserve, you've come to right place. Simply complete our quick Founder's Awards nomination form below, telling us why you're nominating them for the category you've chosen.

To have a look at an example, please refer to our guidance.

Founder's Awards nomination guidance

What happens next?

Local Founder's Award presentations

Recipients of our Founder's Awards are presented with their awards locally throughout the year. They are notified by their community team who proudly present them with their award during a visit or an appropriate local event. 

Military Dinner Award presentations

In addition to this, every year our Regional Members Group votes on a small number of 'Highly Commended' award nominees who are deemed to have made an especially significant contribution to the charity.

Those selected will receive an invitation to attend an award presentation at one of our military dinners (most likely the one closest to where they live). They will be notified at least one month in advance of their dinner date and are welcome to bring a guest.

If you'd like your nominee to be in with a chance to receive their award in this way, please submit your nomination form by the closing date of the dinner venue nearest to them. The dates are set out below.

Military Dinners nomination closing dates

Venue Date of dinner Nomination closing date
RAF Honington 11 October 2024 1 September 2024
Ted Higgs award: Blind Veterans UK Centre of Wellbeing Date arranged with award winner. 1 September 2024
  1. Current: 1. Who would you like to nominate?
  2. 2. Tell us about yourself
  3. 3. What would you like to nominate them for?

Who would you like to nominate?

Address
For the best results, enter your house number and postcode
What is your preferred location to present the award? (Optional) A member of the engagement team will discuss your selected option with you

Tell us about yourself

What would you like to nominate them for?

Please tick most relevant category You can find category descriptions above this form
How would you like to add your nomination reason? Please note we are looking for approx. 300-500 words.

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