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Autism Hero Awards Judging 2026 – A Day of Inspiration at the Holiday Inn Regent’s Park

Autism Hero Awards
The judges with Anna Kennedy OBE all pictures by Antony March https://www.instagram.com/antony84299/

Autism Hero Awards Judging 2026 – A Day of Inspiration at the Holiday Inn Regent’s Park

On 26th February 2026, the Holiday Inn London Regent’s Park played host to an extraordinary day of compassion, celebration and heartfelt deliberation as the judging for this year’s Autism Hero Awards took place. With a record-breaking number of nominations submitted, the atmosphere in the room was filled with admiration for the remarkable individuals, families and organisations recognised in this year’s awards.

Gathered around the table was a distinguished panel of celebrity judges and supporters of Anna Kennedy Online. Among them were ‘Allo ‘Allo! star and newly announced patron of the charity Vicki Michelle;mbe . award-winning author Samantha Lee Howe; GB News presenter and journalist Nana Akua; award-winning artist and ambassador Dez LoveArtPix; and charity patron, author and presenter Steven Smith. Each judge brought not only their professional experience but also a genuine passion for championing the autism community.

Overseeing proceedings was the founder of the charity, Dr Anna Kennedy OBE, alongside executive Lisa Robins. Anna, who has dedicated her life to supporting autistic individuals and their families, expressed her pride at the overwhelming response this year. She admitted she was relieved not to be judging herself, given the exceptionally high standard and deeply moving nature of the nominations.

Dr Anna Kennedy OBE wth Anna Kennedy on line executive Lisa Robins

The Autism Hero Awards recognise achievements across a wide spectrum of categories, from education and community leadership to creative arts, personal achievement and business excellence. Awards such as Young Person of the Year, Parent or Carer of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and the People’s Autism Hero Award highlight the strength, resilience and dedication that runs through the autism community.

The Animal–Human Bond Award will be judged separately by presenter and author Wendy Turner Webster, model and presenter Victoria Featherstone Pearce, and author Tess Eagle Swan.

Judging on the way .

For Vicki Michelle, recently announced as a patron of Anna Kennedy Online, the judging process proved deeply emotional. She described the experience as overwhelming in the most positive way, emphasising that while only one winner can be chosen in each category, every nominee deserves recognition. The stories shared in the submissions were filled with courage, determination and unconditional love.

Pattons Vicki Michelle and Steven Smith .

Samantha Lee Howe travelled from Yorkshire to take part, marking her fourth year as a judge. A long-time supporter of the charity, she spoke warmly about her commitment to Anna Kennedy Online and her willingness to travel any distance to support the cause. For Dez LoveArtPix, who journeyed from Manchester for his first year on the panel, the day was both humbling and a privilege.

As discussions concluded and final decisions were made, one feeling united everyone in the room: anticipation. The winners will be revealed at the Autism Hero Awards ceremony on 9th May 2026, an evening that promises to celebrate not only achievement but community, advocacy and hope.

If the judging day was anything to go by, this year’s ceremony will be one of the most inspiring yet.

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Autism Hero Awards

All pictures by Antony March https://www.instagram.com/antony84299/

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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