TV Presenter, Chef and Charity Ambassador Briony May Williams and Sky Sports James Green hosted the star-studded Mariposa Ball and Awards 2026 at the Landmark Hotel in London on the 25th of April 2026.
The ball, which is in aid of Mariposa International, includes the Mariposa Awards, which recognise excellence in bereavement care from across the NHS and society.
It saw twelve categories hotly contested, with hundreds of nominations being received.
*Nominations for 2026 are now open so click here to nominate – https://www.sayinggoodbye.org/mariposa-awards-2026/*
The winners of the 2025 Mariposa Awards, and ‘Special Recognition Awards’ recipients are as follows:
The Archie Bereavement Professional of the Year 2025
This award recognises excellence in care from a bereavement specialist, and was presented by Historian and Broadcaster Tess Dunlop
Winner – Maddie Holland
Special Recognition – Grace Banham
The Arlo Award
In memory of Arlo Mallen, who sadly passed away in 2021, this award is for a medical practitioner who has gone above and beyond in the level of care they have provided. This award was presented by comedian Harriet Kemsley.
Winner – Nicola Galloway
Special Recognition – Leanna Brace and Laura Francis
The Community Award
This award is for someone in the community who has supported someone through baby loss. This award was presented by Michelle Welsh MP
Winner – Lucy Smith
Special Recognition – Laura Atherton & Sara Balmforth, Leanne Pether and Raj Chagger
The Compassion Award
This award recognises compassionate care. This was presented by writer, actor and presenter Ashley Joseph
Winners – Dr Emma Humphries and Emily Cooper
Fundraiser of the Year Award
This special award looks to recognise a volunteer who has helped to raise funds to support the work of the charity. This award was presented by Football Manager Dean Holden and his wife, Model and Presenter Danielle Nicholls
Winner – Minah Shannon
The Lifetime Achievement Award
This special award looks to recognise a medical professional who has devoted their life to the care, and support of the bereaved. This award was presented by Youtube star Rev Chris Lee
Winner – Dr Kathleen Graham
OBGYN of the Year Award
This award is presented to an OBGYN who has displayed exceptional levels of clinical care and support for patients, and was presented by star of Love Island, Jessica Hayes
Winner – Dr Miriam Baumgarten
Special Recognition – Dr Helen Collier
Employer of the Year Award
This award is presented to a company who has gone above and beyond in their support of their employees. It was presented by star or stage and screen, Gina Murray
Winners – The Metropolitan Police and Deloitte
Special Recognition – TJX Europe, better known as TK Maxx and Homesense
Midwife of the Year Award
This award looks to recognise the incredible midwives who form the backbone of maternity care. It was presented by star of film and TV, Tamzin Outhwaite
Winners – Fiona McFadyen & Bethan Hughes
Special Recognition – Trudy Ziwewe, Natalie Barry and Laura Woffendin
Bereavement Midwife of the Year 2026
This award looks to recognise excellence in bereavement midwifery. This award was presented by Social Media star Genevieve Turley
Winner: Victoria Williamson
Special Recognition: Nicola Galloway, Navi Fernandes, Wiktoria Ciekanska, Sara Hunt and Kirsty Malcolm.
Bereavement Team of the Year 2026
This award looks to recognise excellence in bereavement teams. This award was presented by Traitors Stars Minah Shannon & Frankie Rowan-Plowden
Winner: Daisy Bereavement Team
Special Recognition: Snowdrop Bereavement Team and Lotus Bereavement Team
Corporate Supporter
This award looks to recognise a brand that has aligned with the charity and worked to support the charity’s initiatives. This award was presented by YouTube star and charity Ambassador Grace Booth
Winner: Mediaport Solutions
*Nominations for 2027 are now open so click here to nominate – https://www.sayinggoodbye.org/mariposa-awards-2027/*
