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Anna Kennedy OBE At the Autism's Hero Awards

What a night! It is truly an honour to be the patron of Anna Kennedy Online. The team has become like family, and with great excitement, I stepped out on Saturday for the annual Autism Hero Awards.

All pictures by Terry Scott https://annakennedyonline.com

https://annakennedyonline.com Vicki Michelle with Anna Kennedy OBE

The Autism Hero Awards 2025: A Night of Celebration and Inspiration

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Red Carpet Ready GBNEWS Nana Akua and fiancé Stephen Gillian .

On March 15, 2025, the prestigious Autism Hero Awards, hosted by Dr. Anna Kennedy OBE, took place at the Holiday Inn Regents Park, London. Organized by the charity Anna Kennedy Online, this highly anticipated event honoured the remarkable achievements of individuals, organisations, and initiatives making a positive impact in the autism community. With inspiring award categories, special performances, and celebrity guests, the night was a spectacular celebration of talent, resilience, and advocacy.

Anna Kennedy surrounded by glitz and glamour towering above her Actor Matthew Blake and entrepreneur Richard Andrews

A Star-Studded Guest List

The event welcomed an impressive lineup of celebrities, including bestselling author Samantha Lee Howe, actress Vicki Michelle, actor Gary Webster, television personality Wendy Turner Webster.

Tiano’s Christopher Hamilton with Anna Kennedy OBE

Heartstopper star Bradley Riches, presenter Nana Akua, and fiancé author Stephen Gillian. 70 years In the business Frazer Hines danced till midnight . Olympic champion and patron Joe Luck was on hand ,

Award winning author and screen writer Samantha Lee Howe who judged the awards along with me Steven Smith

Adding to the glamour was singing sensation Tiano’s Christopher Hamilton. Actress and presenter Danielle Mason, Pink Ribbons’ Lisa Allen, and artist Piluca Camino Alcon also graced the event. The evening’s main hosts, award-winning presenter Aston Avery and youth theatre organiser Phillip Barnett, ensured the night flowed seamlessly with warmth and professionalism.

The man of the moments Brad Riches

Presenter Aston Avery and Phil Barnett with Anna https://annakennedyonline.com

Honouring the Autism Community’s Heroes

Model actress and presenter Danielle Mason joined the celebrities and crowd .

The Autism Hero Awards is more than just an event—it is a movement that recognises the incredible contributions of individuals and organisations within the autism community. Each category highlights a different aspect of support, advocacy, or achievement, celebrating efforts both big and small.

A night to remember

Award Winners and Highly Commended Recipients

Young Person of the Year Award
Winner: Lucy Lovett
Highly Commended: Jiya Rai, Chapman Shum

Outstanding Community Award
Winner: True Colours Theatre CIO Foundation
Highly Commended: Craig Henderson, Doncaster Autism Service

Terry Scott is ready to do his thing as Aston Avery presents and Nana Akua and Anna Kennedy present and award to True Colours .

Sibling of the Year Award
Winner: Brooke Scaysbrook-Smith
Highly Commended: Kayden Francis, Rosie Simmons

Parent/Carer of the Year Award
Winner: Nicole Simmons
Highly Commended: Amanda Inglis, Satia Rai

veteran acting royalty Frazer Hines .

The Lifetime Award
Winner: Elspeth Jones
Highly Commended: Annie Sands, Joely Williams

Leading Business Award
Winner: Skye Stack
Highly Commended: Pamela Capriglione, Hiyed CIC

People’s Autism Hero of the Year Award
Winner: Blaise Heywood
Highly Commended: Jenny Robinson, Rose Connelly

Two of the judges actor Gary Webster and presenter and author Wendy Turner

Outstanding Education Award
Winner: Hayley Morris
Highly Commended: Kassem Istanbouli, Margarita Mladenova

Creative Arts and Media Award
Winner: Curran Dobbs
Highly Commended: Libby Barrett, Amaya Edwards

Support Group of the Year Award
Winner: Kim Drake – Little Hero’s ASD Support Group

Personal Achievement Award
Winner: Thomas Howard
Highly Commended: Amaya Edwards, Kelsey McInearney

Online Social Network Award
Winner: Daniel Jones

The star of the night Vega

Human-Animal Bond Award
Winner: Philippa Jane Sjoberg & Scrumpy
Highly Commended: Sarah Allen & Patsy, Bobby Clark & Zeus

The judges Steven Smith Samantha Lee Howe Brad Riches , Gary Webster with Anna Kennedy OBE

A Night of Emotional Speeches and Performances

The night was filled with heartfelt speeches from winners and nominees, many sharing personal stories of perseverance and triumph. One of the most touching moments came from Thomas Howard, who received the Personal Achievement Award for his relentless advocacy in making neurodiversity training mandatory in higher education. His emotional speech moved the audience, reinforcing the importance of awareness and inclusivity.

On hand celebrity magician Angus
Baskerville entertained .

The Impact of the Autism Hero Awards

Events like these play a crucial role in breaking down barriers, fostering inclusion, and encouraging ongoing support for autistic individuals. Dr. Anna Kennedy OBE, the driving force behind the awards, delivered a passionate speech about the importance of community support, education, and advocacy. Her dedication continues to bring positive change and hope to countless individuals and families.

Looking Ahead

As the curtains closed on another successful Autism Hero Awards ceremony, attendees left inspired and determined. The event once again proved the importance of recognising and celebrating achievements within the autism community. With each passing year, the Autism Hero Awards grow stronger, touching more lives and expanding their reach.

Upcoming Event: Autism & Art Show

Anna Kennedy Online in Association with Firepit Art Gallery CIC Presents Their Inaugural
🎨 “AUTISM & ART SHOW” 🎨

VIP Red Carpet Launch: May 22nd, 2025
Exhibition Dates: May 22nd – May 27th, 2025

“For people on the autism spectrum, art is a powerful medium that encourages self-expression.”

Anna Kennedy Online, in collaboration with the Firepit Art Gallery, is proud to present the first-ever “Autism & Art Show.” This exciting event showcases incredible artwork from autistic artists and their allies, with all profits supporting the charity Anna Kennedy Online. Art is more than just a passion—it serves as a therapeutic outlet, offering solace and joy to many individuals on the autism spectrum.

Featured Artists Include:

Annemarie Bickerton | Piluca Camino Alcon | Chris Wild | Alastair Blaster

Are you an artist on the autism spectrum or an ally who wishes to contribute? Donations of artwork or a percentage of sales are welcomed to support this meaningful cause. Showcase your work at one of London’s most vibrant galleries!

📩 To donate art or get involved, contact:
Steven Smith – spman@btinternet.com

🎟 Get Your VIP Night Tickets Below!
https://bit.ly/42Jo4OA
(Other exhibition dates are free to attend, but donations to the charity are greatly appreciated.)

📍 Event Location:
Firepit Art Gallery CIC
Firepit Gallery
No.2, Upper Riverside,
10 Cutter Ln, Ground Floor Unit,
Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0XX

🔗 Learn More & Support the Charity

Chris Wilde one of the artist who work will be on show .
Steven Smith.'s avatar

By Steven Smith.

Steven Smith was born in Coatbridge in Scotland. He was brought up in Whitley Bay, before briefly moving to London. He then moved to the seaside town of Brighton, where he was first receiver recognition for his hairdressing skills. Steven moved to America for eight years, working in Beverly Hills, and on his return to London in the late 90s, rose to fame working in fashionable Knightsbridge. He has styled model Katie Price, actress Denise Welch, David Hasselhoff and the cast of Baywatch. Steven had his own column in The Sun newspaper advising on hair and beauty, and was a regular on the Lorraine Kelly show, transforming GMTV viewers into their favourite stars. He made over Lorraine herself, transforming her into movie legend, Elizabeth Taylor.

Steven has been a freelance writer for the last ten years, combining showbiz interviews and travel with his eye for styling. He has written two books: Powder Boy, looking at the dark side of showbiz, and an autobiography: It shouldn't happen to a hairdresser, offering a witty and sad look at his life. He is currently penning a third book to be titled Happy in Chennai.

He has a monthly column, Tales of a single middle-aged gay man that looks at not only the light side of gay life, but also darker aspects such as rape, addiction, and chem-sex. Steven also runs his own beauty/aesthetic blog and is a patron of Anna Kennedy online; a charity that not only supports the autism community but educates the public about those that live with autism.

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