Gaz Emmerson Fundraiser of the Year 2025

Every year, the Shining Star Awards celebrate the people and communities who make an outstanding contribution to raising awareness of sarcoma.

The Gaz Emmerson Fundraiser of the Year Award recognises individuals whose passion, creativity and commitment to fundraising have not only raised vital funds but also helped to put sarcoma in the spotlight.

Meet this year’s nominees and cast your vote for who you think should be recognised in 2025.

Josh Allen

Josh raised £27,900 by running the London Marathon in honour of his sister Isobel (pictured), who was diagnosed with sarcoma at just 19. Tragically, Isobel died during his training, with her funeral held just days before the race. Despite immense personal grief, Josh found the strength to take on the marathon, completing it as a moving tribute to her life. His courage and openness inspired many across the Sarcoma UK community, bringing people together in solidarity. By sharing his story so publicly, Josh raised awareness of sarcoma with new audiences while providing comfort to other families affected by the disease.

Annabel Gulliver

Annabel raised nearly £24,000 for Sarcoma UK through a combination of the London Marathon and creative community fundraising, including organising a tennis tournament. She dedicated her efforts to her brother Charlie (pictured above), who lives with a rare form of sarcoma. Despite hating running, Annabel pushed herself far beyond her comfort zone, completing the marathon as a show of love and solidarity. By combining local events with her own physical challenge, she not only raised significant funds but also introduced sarcoma awareness into her community. Annabel’s energy and commitment brought people together, motivated others to take action and helped break down the isolation that sarcoma so often brings.

Fiona McAlpine

Fiona has been a powerful supporter of Sarcoma UK, raising over £50,000 through the London Marathon in memory of her dear friend Pandora (on the left, above). Having experienced sarcoma herself, Fiona showed extraordinary resilience and determination. Her achievement stands out as one of the largest individual fundraising totals of the year, funding vital research and support services. Beyond the money raised, Fiona’s story reached wide audiences, demonstrating the impact of sarcoma on patients and families and encouraging others to get involved. Her positivity, courage and openness have helped shine a much-needed light on sarcoma, inspiring people far beyond her own network.

Meg Pragnell

Meg took on possibly the most ‘bonkers’ fundraising challenges ever attempted for Sarcoma UK: the 15 in 15 challenge. In support of her close friend Em, who was diagnosed with sarcoma, Meg completed 15 middle-distance triathlons in 15 days across 15 of the UK’s national parks. Each day involved a 2km swim, a 90km cycle and a 21km run, completed just months after she had donated a kidney to her mother. Meg shared her journey through Instagram and national media, including the BBC, reaching wide audiences with her story of resilience and friendship. Her achievement captured imaginations, drew new attention to sarcoma, and showed what can be done when determination meets purpose.

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Shining Star Awards: Gaz Emmerson Fundraiser of the Year 2025