Ambassador of the Year

2026
SPONSORED BY
Jersey Royal

This award seeks to recognise any individual or group who gives something back to the community.

 

It could be a parish official who is always there when needed, a member of a local youth or play group, someone who dedicates their services to a local church, or simply a local resident going that extra mile for their parish.

 

Jersey is one big community, and that is only made possible by the generous actions of these remarkable people – the very people who help to make our Island such a special place in which to live.

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Ambassador of the Year Nominees

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Ambassador of the Year Nominees

Susie Richardson Nominated by: Regan Louis

The former chief executive of a charity supporting Islanders with experience of the care system has been praised for changing young people’s lives by giving them a voice. Susie Richardson, who served as chief executive of Jersey Cares for 18 months, has been nominated for the Ambassador of the Year award.

Mrs Richardson took on the role in early 2025 following a 24-year career in the criminal justice system, which included three-and-a-half years as governor of HMP La Moye. During her time at Jersey Cares, an independent advocacy charity for people with care experience, she secured a commissioned relationship with the government to provide independent advocacy for children in care and care leavers. Nominator Regan Louis credited Mrs Richardson with having a profound impact on his own life.

“Susie has not only changed my life by offering me employment at the lowest time in my life, but she has also changed many young people’s lives by being their voice and making a change for them,” he said.

Mrs Richardson continues to be involved in Jersey Cares’ voluntary initiatives and contributes to the leadership team at St Mark’s Church, where she focuses on safeguarding and supporting vulnerable Islanders.

Jessica Pinel Nominated by: Kate Fry

An Islander who has “courageously” shared her own personal experiences of living with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome has been nominated for Ambassador of the Year. Jessica Pinel has “helped bring together what was once an isolated and often misunderstood community, through her openness, compassion and determination”, said her nominator, Kate Fry.

 

Miss Pinel is said to have cultivated a supportive space where people feel heard, understood and “empowered to advocate for their own health”. She is a registered nutritionist, which allows her to bring a “wealth of knowledge and evidence-based information”, to other women who are struggling, Ms Fry said. Her nominator explained that Miss Pinel invites healthcare professionals and subject-matter experts into the space, helping to bridge the often frustrating gap between those living with PMOS and the clinicians supporting them.

 

“She has not only increased awareness and understanding of PMOS, but has also helped create greater visibility, connection and support for those affected by it,” added Ms Fry.

Logan Mcghee Nominated by: Ruth McCormack

A personal trainer and online fitness coach has been nominated for Ambassador of the Year for his “unwavering commitment, passion and enthusiasm for both his sport and his profession”.

 

His nominator, Ruth McCormack, said that through his coaching he had helped “many of his clients achieve not only healthier, stronger bodies but also greater self-confidence and a more positive outlook on life”.

 

Mrs McCormack said: “His support extends far beyond physical fitness – he has been there for clients struggling with mental-health challenges and low self-esteem, providing encouragement, motivation and genuine care.”

 

Alongside this, Mr McGhee had “raised funds for a number of charitable causes over the years” and most recently completed the London Marathon for the Jersey Heart Support Group.

 

Mrs McCormack added: “Many individuals who have faced significant weight issues have achieved remarkable results through his fitness programmes, gaining renewed confidence and a healthier mindset along the way. I think that he is a great role model for Jersey sports and wellbeing.”

John Fail and Jersey Freshwater Angling Association Nominated by: Penny Bromley

John Fail and the Jersey Freshwater Angling Association have been praised for transforming the former Tamba Park lake into an “exceptionally beautiful place” for others to enjoy.

 

The group has been nominated for Ambassador of the Year by Penny Bromley, who highlighted the time and effort that has gone into maintaining the site. She said that Mr Fail “spends hours tirelessly maintaining the lake, the fish and ducks, and surrounding moorings, platforms, flora and fauna”.

 

Mrs Bromley said that Mr Fail manages to do this alongside looking after his four children, playing tennis twice a week and “often visiting France for fishing”. The association welcomes visitors and charities to the lake to “have a good time” and learn the basics of fishing.

 

Mrs Bromley described Mr Fail as “a very special man” for the work he puts into caring for the lake and ensuring others are able to enjoy it. Mr Fail, however, stressed that the transformation had been a team effort and that he would not have been able to achieve it alone.

Miklos Kassai Nominated by: Marilyn Carre

A consultant colorectal surgeon has been nominated for the Ambassador of the Year award for his “empathetic nature” while supporting patients. Mr Miklos Kassai has been nominated for the award by Marilyn Carre, who praised his “gentle” and “professional” support towards her when she was diagnosed with cancer ten years ago.

 

Ms Carre explained that when she needed to go through chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Mr Kassai put her “mind at ease” and took away “as much of the fear as he possibly could”.

 

“Everyone I have spoken to since my first encounter with cancer (and with him) has been equally complimentary,” she said. “They talk about how he is such a qualified consultant, and yet so humble and caring. And how he makes one feel like the most important person in the world when in his presence.”

 

Ms Carre said that his whole team, both in the private and public sector, talk about him with “love and respect” and that he is “as caring with his staff as he is with his parents”.

Fiona Brennan Nominated by: Sam Goguelin

A charity leader who has helped transform the lives of hundreds of families across the Island has been nominated for the Ambassador of the Year award. Sam Goguelin said Brighter Futures chief executive Fiona Brennan went above and beyond to support parents and children, giving families hope, understanding and the tools they needed to build a brighter future.

 

Ms Goguelin said the charity dedicated countless hours to supporting local families through initiatives including beach days, breakfast clubs, respite opportunities, holiday outings and a range of courses – despite receiving just 8.7% of its funding from the government.

 

As both a former client of the charity and a parent ambassador, Ms Goguelin said she had experienced first-hand the difference Mrs Brennan and her team had made.

“Without Fiona and her amazing team at Brighter Futures, so many families would be at a loss,” she said.“I would be in a completely different position now if it wasn’t for Fiona and her team.”

 

She added that Mrs Brennan’s dedication and commitment to helping families made her a deserving nominee for the Ambassador of the Year award.

Kevin Allenby Nominated by: Lesley Harrison

A man who has raised thousands of pounds for Autism Jersey while helping to raise awareness of autism and ADHD has been nominated for Ambassador of the Year.

 

Kevin Allenby was put forward by Autism Jersey’s head of charitable services, Lesley Harrison, who described him as an “unassuming man who seeks no reward but wants to just make a difference”.

 

Mr Allenby is currently helping to pilot a music hub for neurodiverse Islanders in collaboration with singer Sophie Maude.

 

He is also preparing to undertake a ten-day trek in the Himalayas to raise money for Autism Jersey. He has already collected £12,000 and is personally matching every donation he receives.

 

Mrs Harrison also highlighted his previous fundraising efforts, including a summer garden party which raised £65,000.

 

Mr Allenby also supports Autism Jersey through events including bingo nights and fashion shows.

Chris Addy Nominated by: Martha Bernstein

Islander Chris Addy, a Jersey Heritage employee who is serving as the organisation’s Second World War fortifications curator, has been recognised for “dedicating his working hours and spare time to remembering the bravery and fortitude of Islanders who suffered in the Occupation”.

 

Nominator Martha Bernstein praised Mr Addy’s work in ensuring that future generations “will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today”. She has nominated him for the Ambassador of the Year award.

 

In his professional role, Mr Addy leads the organisation of Holocaust Memorial Day, and recently took over responsibility for this year’s Slave Workers Memorial Ceremony at Westmount. He has also led Jersey’s roll-out of two Europe-wide commemorative projects: Liberation Route Europe and the Stolpersteine memorial stones initiative.

 

Mr Addy’s dedication to appreciating those who made sacrifices is said to be “genuine, compassionate and heartfelt”, making him an ambassador of Jersey’s rich history and memory of its people, according to his nominator.

Suzie Mahe Nominated by: Adam Gough

A domestic-abuse survivor who waived her right to lifelong anonymity to campaign for better protections for others has been nominated for Ambassador of the Year.

 

Suzie Mahe was praised by her nominator, Adam Gough, for “sharing her story and fighting for domestic-abuse laws that needed to be in place and spoken about”. In 2024, Ms Mahe gave up her anonymity when her abuser was jailed for assaulting and raping her.

 

Mr Gough highlighted her awareness-raising work and contribution to changes in the Island’s laws since then, work which he said included giving “victims of crimes” the right to read their own statements aloud.

 

Ms Mahe now works with several organisations, including Freeda and JAAR. She has also recorded remote podcasts with IFAS UK, spoken at Westminster Insight conferences and shared her story with media platforms in both Jersey and the UK.

 

Mr Gough said: “Suzie has always had others in mind and remained so humble and transparent in her approach. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

Scott Livingstone Nominated by: Barbara Livingstone

The man behind The Theatre Workshop has been nominated for the Ambassador of the Year award for the “extraordinary contribution” he has made to young people’s lives in Jersey.

 

Scott Livingstone, who launched The Theatre Workshop in 2018 with his wife, Lucy, was nominated by his mother, Barbara Livingstone, for his work helping to build “confidence, discipline, professionalism and self-belief” among young people aged four to 20.

 

He and the team have delivered multiple stage productions, including We Will Rock You, Footloose, Moana, 9 to 5, Nativity, The Little Mermaid and Our House. Ms Livingstone said: “For many years, they have devoted their time, expertise and passion to providing young people with inspirational opportunities to develop their talents in the performing arts. Their work goes far beyond tuition,”

 

She added that the productions were delivered to the same quality and discipline as any west-end show, while providing students with the “invaluable experience of working as part of a professional performing arts company”. His nominator added: “The impact can be seen in the confidence, resilience, friendships and sense of achievement they have helped develop in generations of young performers.”

Eleanor McLachlan Nominated by: Sarah Shaw

A “remarkable young woman” who dedicates her time and uses her personal experience to raise awareness about sight loss is being recognised for “inspiring young people with disabilities to be proud of who they are and confident of what they can achieve”.

 

Eleanor McLachlan (17) has been nominated for Ambassador of the Year by Sarah Shaw for all the work she has done for EYECAN. In 2015, she proudly snipped the ribbon to open the charity’s Westlea Centre following its rebrand from the Jersey Blind Society to EYECAN.

 

In 2022, she won the Variety Club of Jersey’s Child of the Year award for academia. More recently, Miss McLachlan met the Duchess of Edinburgh and “helped showcase the charity’s work and the experiences of Islanders living with sight loss”.

 

Mrs Shaw said: “As a young adult, she has become an inspiring advocate for others, using her own experiences to educate the public, challenge misconceptions and demonstrate that sight loss should never be a barrier to achieving ambitions.”

Sarah Hickling Nominated by: Chloe Scarfe

An Islander who has made an “incredible difference” to the lives of many local mothers through her specialised fitness classes has been nominated for Ambassador of the Year.

 

Through her business, The Mum Method, Sarah Hickling has created a welcoming space for mothers to regain their confidence and get back into exercise while not having to worry about childcare, according to her nominator, Chloe Scarfe.

 

“Sarah has built a supportive community where mums encourage one another, celebrate each other’s achievements and are reminded just how strong and capable they really are,” Ms Scarfe explained.

“She goes above and beyond for every single person, taking the time to support us both physically and emotionally.”

“The positive impact she has had on my life and on so many other mums across Jersey, is impossible to measure,” Ms Scarfe continued. “She has helped us rebuild our strength, confidence and sense of self at a time when many of us needed it most.

“Sarah’s passion, kindness and dedication make her an inspiring role model and someone who truly deserves to be recognised with a Pride of Jersey Award.”

James Bedding Nominated by: Andrew Scott-Miller

A Quadriplegic photographer and drone pilot has been nominated for Ambassador of the Year for showcasing Jersey “at its very best”.

 

James Bedding was nominated by Andrew Scott-Miller, who helps run Air Rescue Channel Islands’ emergency drone team, for his extensive knowledge of operating drones with the “correct compliance and artistic flair”.

 

Mr Scott-Miller also praised Mr Bedding’s growing social-media following and his ability to make his work stand out online.

 

“His pride and passion in his work is a total inspiration for Jersey, and disability in general. Here is someone showing off the Island – and proving this is an island of opportunity,” he said.

 

“It’s a reminder to all of us that there are no barriers here in Jersey that cannot be overcome.”

 

Mr Bedding also supports local charities, events and organisations through his photography and filming, while his aerial images of Grosnez have been selected to feature in the departure lounge at Jersey Airport.

Jersey Employment Trust ambassadors Nominated by: Emma-Louise Burns

A group of volunteers who use their own experiences and knowledge to champion inclusion and create employment opportunities for others has been nominated for the Ambassador of the Year award.

 

Ms Burns said the ambassadors “champion inclusion” and “advocate for people with disabilities” using their knowledge, insight, skills and experiences to challenge perceptions and inspire confidence.

 

She said they demonstrated “the value that everyone can bring to the workplace and wider community”, while playing an active role in supporting JET clients and staff.

 

Ms Burns said their true impact could not be measured in hours alone, as they continued to “break down barriers, create opportunities and empower others to succeed,” adding that their influence extended beyond the people they directly supported, helping to create “a more inclusive and understanding community across Jersey”

Teresa Cassin Nominated by: Maria Santos

An assistant manager at Morrisons has been nominated for the Ambassador of the Year award for supporting and advocating for a member of her staff when they became unwell. Teresa Cassin, who is the assistant manager of Morrisons at Grands Vaux, has been nominated by her colleague Maria Santos for being the “best assistant manager” and doing everything she could to support her sickness.

 

Ms Santos explained that she needed to go through treatment at Southampton Hospital, meaning she needed time off from work, but that Ms Cassin had been accommodating and understanding throughout.

 

Ms Santos said: “She is the best assistant manager anyone can get and I feel very lucky. “I now have a big health problem in my life and she has supported me through all of it, doing what she can to help me with my sickness. She is hard-working and has a big heart for everyone.”

 

Ms Santos added that Ms Cassin had a great sense of teamwork, being a “good team player” by ensuring the team worked together in a friendly and efficient manner. “She is the best supporter we could ask for, and she deserves this award,” Ms Santos said.

Steve Le Long Nominated by: Kyah Gibaut

The lead of a critical health service has been nominated for the Ambassador of the Year award for being a “cornerstone” in the support available for young people in Jersey. Steve Le Long, who leads the Young Persons Substance Misuse Support Team as part of the Alcohol and Drug service, has been nominated for the award by Kyah Gibaut for helping to make it easier for “young people to reach out, feel heard, and access the right support”.

 

Ms Gibaut explained that a couple of years ago, Mr Le Long set up the Peer Mentor Support Group – which brings young people together who have been through the service, so they can stay in touch and connect with a “positive network”.

 

She said: “Steve has built a reputation for being consistently calm, kind, and genuinely empathetic. He brings a very human approach, he listens properly, meets people where they are, and treats every young person with respect and patience”.

 

She added that his impact on the community “can’t be underestimated” and that he has helped the lives of “hundreds of young people”.

AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR 2025

finalists

Sponsored by:

SOPHIE REID

winner

ALAN LE PAVOUX

finalist

JENNY STAFFORD

finalist

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