Ambassador of the Year

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”