Celebrating Our Local Heroes: Building for the Future Dinner & Awards Night 2025

The red carpet was rolled-out last Friday evening for the fourth Building for the Future Dinner and Awards Night.

More than 80 guests — including SEND parents, nominees, sponsors, and special guests Cllr Carol Jewell, Mayor of Wokingham, and Clive Jones MP for Wokingham — joined us at Sonning Golf Club for a joyful evening of dining, connection and celebration.

Together we applauded what’s possible in the fields of disability care, education, activity, and support for children and young people, hearing heartfelt nominations from parents of special needs children from across the borough.

Earlier on in the year a call-out from our CEO Jane Holmes, who believes in celebrating excellence in a field that is often overlooked, asked parents to write-in with their nominations for best teacher/teaching assistant/medical professional/therapist/activity provider and volunteer.

Scores of letters came in for so many truly committed and talented people and organisations across the region. Common themes of bringing relief and reassurance to families with disabled children and young people filled almost every submission. 'They make our lives easier;' 'they give us so much support;' 'they offered us a lifeline when we needed it the most;' 'we couldn't do without them' where the words to be found.

The nominations then went on to a shortlist and a panel to determine the winners, which was often difficult to assess as each nominee was so deserving.

With nerves building in the air the spotlight was turned on these incredible individuals and organisations and their nominations read out before the winners were announced.

And we are delighted to say that:

Our 2025 Award Winners are:

• Best Teacher: Sam Casella, Kennel Lane School

• Best Teaching Assistant: Aneela Khan, Kennel Lane School

• Best Medical Professional: Claudia Wilson

• Best Therapist: Deborah Smith, Occupational Therapist

• Best Activity Provider: Jenna Keens, Together One Step at a Time

• Best Volunteer: Daisy Cripps

  
  

And the Building for the Future Special Award went to: Rebecca Durrant, Short Breaks Officer, Bracknell Forest Council, who said:

“Thank you so much for this amazing award. It’s been a brilliant night and I was blown away by the nomination made by one of the parents. I don’t know who they are but I’d like to thank them for taking the time to write in. It's made what I do day-to-day all the more meaningful.”

Clive Jones MP added heartfelt praise for everyone involved after handing out the awards:

“It’s a real honour to meet such remarkable people who are making a difference to the lives of disabled children and young people across Berkshire. Everyone nominated has made a huge difference through their time and compassion. This evening gives something back to those who help in such a big way.”

Cllr Carol Jewell, Mayor of Wokingham Borough, spoke warmly about volunteers:

“What a room full of people who do so much for others! Volunteers are the lifeblood of charities like this. I’m honoured to have chosen Building for the Future as my Mayoral charity — it’s an amazing organisation helping so many people. Tonight’s awards show just how appreciated you all are.”

Our CEO, Jane Holmes, closed the evening by saying:

“It’s been another really successful awards evening. Well done again to all of our finalists, winners, and runners-up. You are all amazing — please keep being amazing and see you all at the next BftF event.”

A Night Made Possible by Generosity and Community

The evening wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our supporters and sponsors: Andy Briggs, Destination Director at The Oracle Reading (and our wonderful MC for the evening), Macbeth Insurance Brokers, Matrix Fitness, Athena Network, TradeMark Windows, and the Rotary Club of Maiden Erlegh.

Special thanks also to Karen Woolford, one of our Trustees, who organised the night’s raffle — raising over £1,000 to support our ongoing work for disabled children and their families.

And of course, our gratitude to Charlotte Aries Photography for capturing the smiles, joy, and proud moments of the evening.