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Cornwall-based non-profit Gunners Kids CIC has been named the winner of the Rising Star Award at the UK StartUp Awards 2026, recognising the organisation’s exceptional early momentum and outstanding potential for future growth.

The Rising Star Award celebrates an emerging organisation that is moving quickly, winning support, and demonstrating the foundations for significant future impact. After reaching the final four in the category, Gunners Kids CIC was announced as the overall winneron Thursday, highlighting the remarkable progress the organisation has made.

Founded in memory of Chris Gunner, who passed away in 2024, Gunners Kids CIC was established to support families with children when a apernt or close family member has a terminal illness. The organisation hosted its first activity day in February 2025 and has grown from strength to strength since, demonstrating the significant need for dedicated support services for families affected by terminal illness across Cornwall.

Led entirely by volunteers, Gunners Kids CIC provides a wide range of services for families, including support boxes, activity days, information sessions, drop-in events, outreach services and other practical and emotional support programmes designed to reduce isolation and create meaningful memories during difficult times.

Since its launch, the organisation has supported an increasing number of families throughout Cornwall, building a strong community network and raising awareness of the challenges faced by children when a parent or close family member is living with a terminal illness.

Receiving the Rising Star Award marks a significant milestone for the organisation and recognises both the impact already being made and the potential for future growth as demand for its services continues to increase.

Co-founder and Director Tamsin Chapman-Gunner Said: “This award is a wonderful recognition of the dedication and passion of our volunteers, supporters and the families who inspire everything we do. We created Gunners Kids CIC in Chris’s memory with the aim of ensuring no child faces the impact of terminal illness alone. To receive this national recognition so early in our journey is incredibly special and motivates us to continue expanding our support across Cornwall.”

Gunners Kids CIC continues to welcome referrals, volunteers, fundraising support and donations to help sustain and grow its services for local families.

To find out more about Gunners Kids CIC, access support, or make a donation, visit www.gunnerskids.org or email tamsin@gunnerskids.org.

The group will focus on providing peer support in a safe and understanding environment, alongside a range of engaging activities such as crafts, games, and baking. The initiative aims to help young people connect with others in similar situations while building resilience and emotional wellbeing.

If you are looking for something a little different, this upcoming activity day at the Bird of Prey Centre offers a truly memorable experience for families affected by terminal illness.

Gunners Kids CIC has been named as a regional finalist in the UK StartUp Awards 2026 in the Rising Star Award category. The non-profit, which supports families across Cornwall, was selected from hundreds of entries to be shortlisted for the regional final. The UK StartUp Awards was launched to recognise the booming startup scene across […]

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