It's not in our nature to brag, but when a prize like this comes along, it's the sort of thing we want to shout about from the rooftops. Back in November 2021 we took part in an intense selection and assessment process with our whole team and even recruited our Young Adult Ambassador Ellen and Trustee Harrison to sing our praises. And it WORKED! Out of 350 charities across the UK, we're one of 10 winners of the 2022 GSK Impact Awards.

Now in their 25^th year, the awards are designed to recognise the outstanding work of small and medium sized charities working to improve people’s health and wellbeing in the UK. This year winners will receive £40,000 in funding as well as expert support and leadership development provided by leading health and care charity The King’s Fund. As a small charity, this win means a massive deal. The judges recognised our dedication to people in their 20s and 30s who are diagnosed with cancer.

They were, and we're going to quote them directly here, "particularly impressed by the range of strong partnerships Trekstock has established to increase the impact of its work, including other charities such as Teenage Cancer Trust, Young Lives vs Cancer and Macmillan, as well as smaller organisations like Secondary Sisters and Cancer Lads."

Katie Pinnock, Director UK Charitable Partnerships at GSK, said:

”Trekstock supports an age group not traditionally focused on by other cancer services, to improve their physical and mental health through exercise, and access advice and information tailored to their specific needs. Despite its small size, the charity has developed a very strong vision and punches above its weight in terms of the reach and impact of its services. We were impressed with the strong evidence-base behind their exercise programme for young adults who have been affected by cancer, and by their excellent and wide-ranging partnership work with other charities and businesses.”

Our brand new Executive Director Ian Boyd said: 

"We are delighted to be part of the 2022 GSK IMPACT Awards. For us this represents an excellent opportunity to provide further support to an often-overlooked section of society; young adults diagnosed with cancer. This award will allow us to reach more people to get them moving, build confidence and improve lives. Being part of the wider awards network and leadership development programme itself, is important for us too. Allowing us the space where we can share knowledge, best practice and be around other like-minded winners of GSK Impact Awards, as well as The King's Fund themselves, will mean we can learn, share and grow; partnering with some of the best organisations across the sector.  Getting diagnosed with cancer can often feel like you are becoming part of a club you never wanted to join, but through the support of the 2022 GSK IMPACT Awards we aim to make that membership a little more supportive, connected and positive.”

We couldn't be more proud. And we can't wait to get to work with the funding and training that the GSK Impact Awards are providing. A big thank you to everyone at GSK and The Kings Fund for joining our journey. #GSKIMPACTUK