c2c serves 26 stations across East London and South Essex and is one of the UK’s most punctual and popular train operators. The company has supported Havens Hospices for a number of years, including providing free travel for the charity’s runners taking part in the London Marathon and Southend Half Marathon, partnering with the charity for their Herd in the City art trail, and sponsoring a penguin for Havens Hospices’ most recent art trail, Waddle-on-Sea. 

As part of its sponsorship, c2c will also present two awards of its own on the day: the c2c Star Award and the c2c Bright Idea Award, chosen from all the shortlisted nominees. 

Alice Shimali, Communications Director for GBR Anglia, said: “As a long-standing partner of Havens Hospices, c2c is honoured to sponsor the 2026 Star & Bright Idea Awards. These Awards formally recognise the outstanding colleagues and volunteers whose dedication and professionalism enhance the charity’s vital work and positively impact the lives of so many local people. 

“We are extremely proud to partner with Havens Hospices, and we recognise and thank them for the exceptional specialist palliative and supportive care they deliver for adults, children and young people with incurable or life limiting conditions across Essex.” 

The Star Awards recognise the hard work, dedication and commitment shown by Havens Hospices colleagues and volunteers, while the Bright Idea Awards celebrate innovations that have made a positive difference to the charity’s workforce, the people it cares for, or the wider organisation. Both awards reflect Havens Hospices’ values, and this year’s ceremony will take place on Tuesday 10 November 2026. 

Liz Stannard, People Team Culture and Organisational Development Manager at Havens Hospices, said: “Havens Hospices is so pleased to have c2c as the sponsor for this year’s awards. Sponsoring the Star & Bright Idea Awards allows the charity to properly recognise the contribution of the people who make its care possible.” 

One of the award categories is the Making Every Day Count Award, nominated by the families and people cared for by Havens Hospices from January 2025 to August 2026. It recognises a colleague or volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service or support, and the public is now invited to submit nominations. 

Liz says, “Making every day count is at the heart of everything we do for the people we care for. This is a great opportunity for families to let us know the difference our colleagues and volunteers have made to them or their loved ones. Our teams are amazing, and this award gives them the chance to be recognised for it.” 

Havens Hospices provides free expert, compassionate care for people of all ages living with incurable conditions, delivered in the community, in people’s own homes, and at its hospices, Fair Havens and Little Havens. 

Nominations for the Making Every Day Count Award close at 5pm on Monday 21 September 2026. Details on how to nominate are available at www.havenshospices.org.uk/medc. 

Published on 28th August 2026