Candis 2012 Family Awards

On one of the hottest days of the year we celebrated the achievements of five truly amazing families…

When we launched our fourth annual search for Britain’s outstanding families in January, we had no idea how inundated we’d be with entries. Deciding which five families deserved recognition in one of our five categories – as Health Heroes, Community Champions, Carers, Campaigners and Fundraisers – was incredibly difficult. We travelled the UK to meet our shortlisted families, and we involved our biggest ever panel of celebrity judges. Finally we invited our category-winning families to ZSL London Zoo to receive their awards and find out who would win the fabulous family holiday to Northern Cyprus with Direct Traveller…

Click here to see footage of this special day!


Meet our celebrity judges…

We invited some familiar faces to help us decide who should be crowned the Candis Outstanding Family of the Year 2012

(listed in order, left to right)
– Jo Joyner (Tanya Branning, Eastenders)/ Patsy Palmer (Bianca Jackson, Eastenders)/ Denise Robertson/ Errol Douglas/ Baroness Helen Newlove/ Sally Dynevor (Sally Webster, Coronation Street)/ Melanie Chisholm (Mel C, Spice Girls), Clare Grogan

Here’s what our judges said…

Baroness Helen Newlove:

“It’s easy to knock the idea of the big society. But these awards give us proof that it can work. I witnessed my husband killed in front of me but people like this remind us that there is good in society.”

Melanie Chisholm:

“All five families have proven with determination, dignity and love, you can survive the toughest of times and achieve great things.”

Clare Grogan:

“Although I had to miss the award day due to filming, I would have loved to meet these inspiring families in person to congratulate them all.”

Errol Douglas:

“This is what matters – kindness, working together and beating adversity”

Jo Joyner

“What inspiring people! I’ve got young twins and I know how tough parenting can be. To achieve what these families have done in difficult circumstances is very humbling”

Sally Dynevor:

“Each family is amazing. It was a great day at the zoo for everyone, including the judges. In my eyes every family here is exceptional.”

Patsy Palmer:

“All the families’ stories have been moving and they should all be incredibly proud.”

Denise Robertson:

“Witnessing how these families have pulled together and helped each other do great things has genuinely given me hope for the future.”


MEET OUR OUTSTANDING FAMILY OF THE YEAR 2012 AND FUNDRAISING WINNER…

The King Family: Michelle, 28, Paul, 26, and children Oliver, 4, Amelia, 3, and Imogen, 2. From: Peterborough

Filing out of their house one morning last year, the King family couldn’t stop giggling – mum Michelle and daughters Amelia and Imogen were dressed as fairies, son Oliver as a Tasmanian devil and Paul was staggering around in a giant shark costume.

They were off on a fundraising mission. “We were taking part in a ‘toddle waddle’ – a sponsored walk for the under fives – around a nature reserve,” says Michelle. The toddle waddle is just one of many fundraising activities they have done since setting up Little Miracles – a group for parents of children with health problems like autism and cerebral palsy.

“We’ve had bake sales, pamper nights and Amelia’s even sold her toys,” says Michelle, who works 80 hours a week unpaid for the charity. Paul, who has a full-time job in digital sales, adds, “Nearly every penny goes on the children who need our support.”

In two years, the Kings’ efforts have raised an amazing £200,000 – an achievement that impressed our famous judges, who crowned them the Candis Outstanding Family of the Year 2012.

Click here to read more of the King’s story…


The fantastic prize The King family will receive…

A fabulous family holiday in a 4-star hotel in Northern Cyprus, courtesy of Direct Traveller!

The stunning, family friendly 4-star Oscars Resort Hotel, in the coastal town Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus, boasts an impressive range of facilities to keep all the family entertained. These include three outdoor swimming pools, aqua park slides, a wave pool and jacuzzi. There’s also
a spa and wellness centre, a tennis court, mini market and even an exclusive sandy beach for the private use of hotel guests. There truly is something for everyone so this is sure to be an experience that the whole family loves and remembers for many years to come!


Thank you to all our wonderful award sponsors

The King’s story continued…

The King’s story continued…

Coronation Street actress Sally Dynevor presented their award

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Award Sponsors

Award Sponsors

Award Sponsors A massive thank you to all

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