Move More Clinical Service of the Year

Active Together Sheffield has reimagined how physical activity can be embedded into cancer care. From the moment someone receives a diagnosis, this pioneering service supports patients with personalised exercise, wellbeing and lifestyle guidance designed to prepare them for treatment and help them recover afterwards.
The programme has been co-developed with cancer patients and delivered through a powerful partnership between Sheffield Hallam University, Yorkshire Cancer Research, the NHS and community leisure providers. That collaboration has helped create a model that is not only effective, but scalable across the region.
Since launching, Active Together has supported thousands of referrals across Yorkshire, with patients reporting improved fitness, better quality of life and greater confidence during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
The service also plays a key role in influencing national conversations about the importance of movement in cancer care, proving that physical activity can be a vital part of treatment, not just recovery.
Through innovation, compassion and collaboration, the team has created a service that is transforming outcomes for patients and their families.

Move More Active Travel Award

Caroline Branigan has inspired hundreds of colleagues to move more through a simple but powerful idea — getting people walking together.
Through the creation of Wellbeing Walks and a series of walking challenges during National Walking Month, Caroline encouraged colleagues across the organisation to step away from their desks and build movement into their daily routines.
The initiative was designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone, supporting walking and wheeling while removing practical barriers to participation.
Caroline also worked closely with wellbeing champions and partner organisations to ensure the initiative had a lasting impact beyond the initial campaign.
Her leadership has helped embed a culture where wellbeing, movement and connection are prioritised — proving that small changes in everyday habits can make a big difference.

Move More Sports Team of the Year

Steel City Sports CIC is a cheerleading, gymnastics and tumbling club that has built a reputation for both high performance and exceptional inclusivity.
The club celebrates difference and ensures every athlete feels valued, supported and empowered to succeed.
Many young people who may have struggled to find their place in traditional sports settings have discovered confidence and belonging through the club’s supportive culture.
Alongside success in national and international competitions, the club prioritises wellbeing, teamwork and positive role modelling.
By creating an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the mat, Steel City Sports has become a powerful example of what inclusive sport can achieve.

Move More People’s Choice Award

Louie Wood embodies the very essence of sporting spirit.
Despite living with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and being born extremely prematurely, Louie approaches every challenge with determination, positivity and resilience.
Through his involvement in Sheffield United Community Foundation’s inclusive football sessions, he has improved his physical skills, confidence and communication.
But perhaps most importantly, Louie inspires everyone around him. His commitment and enthusiasm encourage other young players to keep trying, support each other and celebrate every achievement.
Louie reminds us that sport is about far more than competition — it is about courage, perseverance and the joy of participation.

Move More Physical Activity Provider of the Year

Tracey Barnes created the Stepping Forward Project to provide something many stroke survivors struggle to find once their initial NHS support ends - a place where they can rebuild strength, confidence and connection.
Through dance based movement, healthy lifestyle guidance and peer mentoring from people with lived experience of stroke, the programme offers a holistic approach to recovery that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Participants benefit not only from movement but from the powerful sense of community created through the sessions. Many rediscover confidence, independence and joy in activity after life changing health events.
Tracey’s vision is also aligned with the wider preventative healthcare agenda. By helping participants adopt healthier lifestyles and build supportive networks, the project reduces the risk of further strokes and supports long term wellbeing.
Her passion, empathy and determination have created a programme that continues to change lives and inspire recovery.

Move More Active Environment Award

Under the leadership of Des Smith and a dedicated team of volunteers, a neglected piece of land has been transformed into something truly special.
The Windrush Garden is now a vibrant community space that celebrates heritage, nature and movement. What was once overgrown and fly tipped land has become a welcoming garden where people come together to plant, maintain pathways, walk and spend time outdoors.
For many local residents, particularly older adults who may not take part in traditional sport, the garden provides meaningful opportunities to stay active through purposeful activity.
The project also strengthens connections between generations, with volunteers sharing stories, skills and cultural heritage with young people.
Through dedication, community spirit and pride in place, the Windrush Garden demonstrates how active environments can benefit both people and nature.

Move More Inclusive Champion of the Year

For more than 25 years, Darnall Well Being has been a trusted community anchor supporting people to live healthier, more active lives.
Their programmes are designed with inclusion at their core, offering culturally sensitive activities that ensure everyone feels welcome regardless of age, background or health condition.
From health walks and women only sessions to men’s health groups and social prescribing initiatives, the organisation removes barriers that often prevent people from being active.
Hundreds of participants from diverse communities attend sessions each year, benefiting not only from physical activity but from the friendships and support networks created along the way.
Through compassion, cultural understanding and strong community partnerships, Darnall Well Being continues to tackle health inequalities and create opportunities for people to move more.

Move More Unsung Hero

Ronny Tucker has devoted countless hours to supporting young people in Sheffield through the power of boxing.
As head coach and chair of Aspire Boxing Club, he provides a safe and structured environment where young people can develop discipline, confidence and resilience.
Beyond coaching, Ronny also works tirelessly to educate young people about the dangers of knife crime and to support those at risk of becoming involved in criminal activity.
Many young people who walk through the doors of Aspire Boxing Club find not just a sport but a mentor, role model and support network.
Ronny’s dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment to his community make him a truly deserving Unsung Hero.

Move More Educational Champion

Lauren Donnelly has become a driving force for inclusive physical activity across Sheffield’s schools.
As Sport Development Manager and School Games Organiser for the Arches School Sport Partnership, she has dedicated herself to ensuring that children and young people from all backgrounds have access to meaningful and enjoyable opportunities to be active.
Her work has reached thousands of pupils through inter school events, extracurricular clubs, leadership programmes and teacher development initiatives. She has trained hundreds of young sports leaders and supported hundreds of hours of physical activity across schools.
Lauren is particularly passionate about supporting girls to engage with sport and physical activity. Her Girls Week initiative has inspired hundreds of primary school girls to try new activities, build confidence and continue their participation beyond school.
Her leadership, energy and commitment have helped transform opportunities for young people across the city, ensuring that physical activity is accessible, inclusive and inspiring.

Move More Community Project of the Year

Dancing with Dementia is an inspiring partnership between Sheffcare and Dancing for Health that is transforming the lives of care home residents across Sheffield.
Using music, rhythm and gentle movement, the programme creates inclusive dance sessions specifically designed for people living with dementia.
The sessions allow residents to express themselves, connect with others and experience joy through movement — often sparking memories and emotional responses that traditional activities may not reach.
The impact extends beyond the participants themselves. Care home staff are also trained so that dance can become part of everyday care, ensuring the benefits continue long after the sessions finish.
Through creativity, compassion and innovation, this project has brought movement, connection and happiness to hundreds of residents across the city.

Move More Sporting Spirit Award

Louie Wood embodies the very essence of sporting spirit.
Despite living with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and being born extremely prematurely, Louie approaches every challenge with determination, positivity and resilience.
Through his involvement in Sheffield United Community Foundation’s inclusive football sessions, he has improved his physical skills, confidence and communication.
But perhaps most importantly, Louie inspires everyone around him. His commitment and enthusiasm encourage other young players to keep trying, support each other and celebrate every achievement.
Louie reminds us that sport is about far more than competition — it is about courage, perseverance and the joy of participation.

Move More Lifetime Achievement Award

This prestigious award is given to an individual whose remarkable contributions and unwavering dedication have significantly impacted the health and well being of Sheffield.
The winner of the Move More Lifetime achievement award this year is someone who has done exactly that and someone who has had a profound impact on sport and physical activity both nationally and locally in Sheffield.
Throughout his political career, including his time as Minister for Sport, he championed policies and initiatives that helped shape the sporting landscape both locally and nationally.
He played a key role in the creation of School Sport Partnerships and was instrumental in bringing the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to the UK.
More recently he has continued to support the development of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and numerous initiatives that strengthen the city’s sporting future.
Even in so-called retirement, Richard remains a passionate advocate for sport and physical activity.
His legacy continues to inspire generations of athletes, organisations and communities across Sheffield.

Move More Educational Setting of the Year

E-Act Pathways Academy has placed movement at the very heart of its school culture.
Over the past few years the school has built a vibrant programme of sporting opportunities that has transformed how pupils engage with physical activity both in and out of the classroom.
From the introduction of rugby teams and cross country running to inclusive SEND sport, performing arts opportunities and leadership programmes, the school has created an environment where every child can discover something they enjoy.
The impact has been remarkable. Hundreds of pupils are now taking part in regular sport and activity, many for the first time. The programme has also strengthened community connections, improved confidence and increased aspirations among pupils.
By ensuring opportunities are accessible to everyone regardless of background, Pathways Academy has shown how a school can truly embed the Move More ethos into everyday life.

Move More Community Activity Champion of the Year

Tracey Barnes has dedicated her career to making movement accessible for people who might otherwise feel excluded from physical activity.
Through Dancing for Health she delivers inclusive dance programmes for people living with cancer, stroke, dementia, disability and long term health conditions.
Her work provides safe, welcoming spaces where participants can move, build friendships and improve their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Over the past year alone, hundreds of people have taken part in her sessions, with thousands of attendances across the city.

Move More Changemaker Award

The Sheffield Play Partnership has had a transformative impact on children’s opportunities to move and play across the city.
Through extensive training programmes, advocacy and citywide events, the partnership has helped schools, practitioners and communities rethink how they support children’s physical activity.
Their playwork approach places children’s creativity, curiosity and movement at the centre of play environments, encouraging exploration, social connection and active development.
Large scale events such as Play Day celebrations have also helped raise awareness among families about the importance of play in healthy childhood development.
Through leadership, innovation and collaboration, the Sheffield Play Partnership has sparked meaningful change across Sheffield.

Move More Lifetime Achievement Award

Rob would be the first to deflect attention and credit others for the work you see today, but the scale and impact of what has been built through the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine in Sheffield is rooted in his vision, commitment and passion.
Tonight is an opportunity to recognise that contribution and to thank him for what he has made possible.
Rob was an integral to setting up The National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM) in Sheffield. This is a London 2012 Olympic legacy programme, which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the nation through sport, exercise and physical activity.
At the heart of the NCSEM is Move More, a strategic systems approach to physical activity that brings together partners, communities and organisations around a shared purpose to create a healthier, happier and more connected city.
Sheffield simply would not be where it is today in sport and physical activity without Rob. He has positioned the city at the forefront of co-located health and leisure provision and whole-system approaches, while laying the foundations for the work we now see across the city. That legacy is what makes moments like this possible, where we can recognise and celebrate the people helping Sheffield to Move More.
Please show your gratitude to the first recipient of the Move More Legacy award - Professor Rob Copeland.

Move More Awards 2026

Move More Awards 2026 Winners

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