Finalists announced for third annual Black Country Heroes Awards 2026

The finalists have been announced for the third annual Black Country Heroes Awards 2026.

Unsung heroes across Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell will be honoured next month at the Express & Star’s Black Country Heroes Awards.

The awards, now in their third year, will shine a spotlight on the amazing individuals who make the region special.

After being inundated with entries, the finalists have now been selected - with Stourbridge Glass Museum, Brierley Hill Babybank and the Beacon Centre for the Blind among organisations shortlisted.

Clever pub dog Indi, a Cane Corso from The Navigation at Langley, Oldbury, has also been awarded a place on the shortlist - nominated for the Outstanding Act of Bravery Award for helping to save the lives of her owners and the pub from being destroyed after it was targeted in an arson attack.

Express & Star editor-in-chief Martin Wright said choosing the winners would be a “real challenge for the judging panel”.

He said: “Shortlisting the finalists was a tough enough challenge in itself, given the number and quality of nominations we received. Every one of our finalists has a remarkable story to tell and has made a real difference to the lives of others and to their communities.

“They should all be extremely proud of reaching this stage, and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to recognise their achievements at the Black Country Heroes Awards.

“They truly represent the very best of the Black Country - and the event promises to be a fitting tribute to their fantastic contribution to the region.”

This year’s awards ceremony will take place on Thursday October 1 in the Hayward Suite at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton.

Radio personality Dicky Dodd will host the grand celebration event, which will include a drinks reception, three-course meal and awards presentation ceremony,

Residents from across the region are invited to support the awards by spreading the word or attending the celebratory evening which will shine a light on community heroes from dedicated volunteers to teachers to NHS workers, uniformed heroes and everyday champions who make a difference across Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell.

The 2026 finalists:

Environmental Champion Award

Stourbridge Glass Museum

The Kingswinford and Wall Heath Litter Pick Group

Tina and Graham Farmer

NHS Hero

Wendy Sykes

Amanda Whitehouse

Keith Hibberts

Young Star

Erin Hickens

Niamh Peters

Community Champion

Beacon Centre for the Blind

Community Enterprise Guild

Debra Purcell

Ruth Hereford

Sandwell Community Information and Participation Services

Child of Courage

To be announced

Future Star

Pushpesh Sunnia

Lewis Burton and Jack Smith

Fundraiser of the Year

Brierley Hill Babybank

Unnamed entrant

Lewis Burton & Jack Smith

Sylvia Enefer

Outstanding Act of Bravery

Jaxon Canavan

Indi

Volunteer of the Year

Heather Shotton

Rebecca Cottingham

Pushpesh Sunnia

Philip Hocking

Beacon Centre for the Blind

Wellbeing and Mental Health Champion

Adam Whittingham

Kerry Whitehouse

Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre

Special Recognition Award

To be announced

Uniform Hero

2488 (Kingswinford) RAF Air Cadets

Unnamed entrant

Pushpesh Sunnia

Sergeant Mitchell Siviter (West Midlands Police)

StreetWatch Volunteers – High‑Visibility Community Patrols

Sponsors are still wanted

Sponsors are still wanted and businesses interested in backing the event are invited to get in touch.

Businesses can still sign up as sponsors for the following categories:

Child of Courage Award

Future Star of the Year Award

Outstanding Bravery Award

Special Recognition

Volunteer of the Year Award

Wellbeing & Mental Health Champion

Sponsors already on board:

Keon Homes (Community Champion Award)

The Sandwell Colleges (Young Star Award)

Gough Group (NHS Hero Award, trophies and drinks reception)

K-SOC/Protect (Uniform Hero Award)

whg (Environmental Champion Award)

SV Contracts (Fundraiser Award)

Fordhouses Cricket Club (programme sponsor)

For sponsorship enquiries contact Express & Star senior sales consultant Bal Sanghera on 07852 149749 or email [email protected].

Tickets for the event are available from https://www.nationalworldevents.com/bcha-2026/categories/