Child Of Wight Awards 2026 Celebrate Island’s Inspirational Young People
- Dominic Kureen
- 1 minute ago
- 2 min read
The Isle of Wight Radio Child of Wight Awards 2026 celebrated 15 inspirational young people from across the Island.
The awards took place at Tapnell Farm on Friday 4 September, with children and their families able to enjoy the play facilities before the ceremony.
Inside the main event room, a mountain of beanbags provided a relaxed setting for the evening.
The event was beautifully hosted by Isle of Wight Radio’s Paul Topping and Heather McCallum, who brought plenty of warmth and personality to the ceremony.
Heather dazzled in a black sparkly dress, while Paul opted for an eye-catching Jack Wills shirt and khaki combination.
This year’s winners were recognised for their courage, kindness, talent, determination and commitment to helping others.
Amy Joliffe performed a collection of acoustic guitar tracks to kick the event off, captivating all of those present in the room, as the talented Island singer-songwriter - and Isle of Wight Radio Emerging Artist - exhibited her immense talented.
The winners were:
Young Conservationist: Harry and Joanna Burdett
Fundraiser of the Year: Fred Eccleston Hall
Best Friend: Amy Marchant and Akita Smith
Best Performer: Chloe and Anna Meredith
Best Sibling: Octavia
Young Achiever: Evelyn Bennett
Sporting Star: Harrison Carter
Asa Singleton Courageous Child: Oscar De Crescenzo-Joy
Make A Difference: Riley Edwards
Young Carer: Finley Chitty
Inspiration Award: Demi McBride
Overall Child of Wight 2026: Phoenix Haywood
The prestigious Overall Child of Wight Award went to Phoenix Haywood, whose story of resilience and determination impressed the judges.
Phoenix was diagnosed with a rare tumour at six years old, but has continued to pursue dance and creative activities, raise money for charity and launch her own vegan dog biscuit business, Wight Wags Bakery.
A huge thank you was given to everyone who nominated a young person, as well as the event’s sponsors.
The 2026 awards were supported by The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Red Funnel, Glanvilles Damant, HTP Apprenticeship College, Auctions Number One, Renodrain, Education Destination, Wightlink, D&S Carpets and Utilita.
Particular thanks goes to headline sponsor ICR Touch, whose support helped make the evening possible.
The awards celebrated not just the winners, but the wider Island community of young people, families, teachers and volunteers who continue to make a difference across the Isle of Wight.
Credit for all images: Sienna Anderson.
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