Who should win each of our Listener Choice Awards?  You can vote now in as many categories as you wish. Here are the six finalists.

York Against Cancer R U Taking The P?

About Them

York Against Cancer is a charity funding cancer care, research and education in York, north and east Yorkshire.  We give people the opportunity to support vital work that directly benefit to the area in which they live, either through fundraising for us or by joining our band of volunteers.

R U Taking The P?, the unique males-only 5K fun run, turned 10 in 2019 with a record entry of 526 men and boys, more than 100 up. Thousands gathered in Bishopthorpe Road to watch runners tackling the challenge and to enjoy a vibrant street party. 

The race took place on Fathers Day and many runners were fathers and sons, some touched by prostate cancer. They were running to raise awareness of the condition and to raise money to boost research and support the work of York Against Cancer. 

Why Should They Win?

R U Taking The P?  was launched by Knavesmire Harriers runner Brian Hughes, inspired by the loss of a friend to prostate cancer. For the last four years Brian has organised the race in partnership with York Against Cancer.

Money is still coming in but at the time of entering these awards more than £16,000 had been raised. In the decade since the race was founded, around £150,000 has been raised. 

We believe the success of this year's event in raising cash and awareness as well as bringing men and their families together in such a supportive and positive atmosphere makes it a fitting candidate for your best charity event award.

Cancer Research UK Relay For Life

About Them

Relay For Life is a team challenge bringing communities together to beat cancer. Teams of family and friends, any age, any ability, fundraise all year for life-saving cancer research, then all the teams join together, along with cancer Survivors for a 24 hour relay to celebrate our success. The event is organised and run by volunteers and is a family fun day, the idea is that at least 1 person from each team takes it in turns to walk the track throughout the 24 hours. Cancer never sleeps and neither do we.

At Relay For Life there are special moments that bring everyone together. We invite VIP Guests of Honour, those who are cancer survivors who walk the first lap of honour, they are then treated to afternoon tea. As the sun goes down, we hold our Candle Of Hope Ceremony when we light candles and remember our loved ones who have lost their battle, but also to celebrate the lives of those still with us. The candles are lit all around the track to light our way through the darkness. 

The 24 hours finishes with our closing ceremony to celebrate our achievements and inspire us to continue fundraising.

Why Should They Win?

Last year was our first Relay For Life in York, with a target of £26K, our amazing teams raised £55K. Our 2nd Relay in York on 3rd/4th August this year and with a target of £50K we have already raised almost £73K, we continue fundraising until October. This event really is very special, it is a community, family fun event to raise awareness and raise vital funds for cancer research.

Our opening ceremony began with a speech from a local scientist, telling us about his work at York University looking into new treatments for breast cancer. We also had a cancer survivor telling her inspiring journey and how the work that Cancer Research UK does has meant that she is alive today to spend precious time with her family.

Today more people are surviving cancer, 40 years ago survival rates were 1 in 4 people, today 2 in 4 people are surviving and the vision of CRUK is that in the next 20 years, 3 in 4 people will survive.

It is imperative that we continue raising funds and raising awareness to make sure we reach that vision. Relay is free to enter and we are entertained by local performers.

The Bounce To Beat Cancer at Energi Trampoline Park York

About Them

It's been 3 years since 2 local York lads opened the doors to Energi Trampoline Park, a 24,000 sqm2 indoor leisure facility based on York Business Park, Poppleton. Energi Trampoline Park offers 100 interconnected trampolines as well as a Dodgeball Area, Foam Pit, Air Bag, Assault Course and a 5* Cafe located on a mezzanine floor providing the perfect vantage point.

During this time, we have developed and maintained a 60+ work force ranging from Full Time & Part Time Positions. We have also attracted a varied and diverse customer base covering a wide range of demographics from 2 years of age all the way to individuals in their 80's.

Our main focus is families and providing them with a safe, clean and enjoyable experience that they can all revel in.

Why Should They Win?

In short there's NO YOU in this category. We the Energi Family deserve to be shortlisted because without that ethos/mind set there would be no Energi Trampoline Park. Energi Trampoline Park was a labour of love from 2 local lads from York and everyone who signed up for this rollercoaster of a journey. So to be shortlisted is a Huge Thank You to them and their efforts.

This is the only venue in York that you can visit where the whole family from 2yrs upwards can literally bounce off the walls with a huge smile on all their faces, whilst at the same time without realising doing some very important exercise.

In just over 3 years we have successfully created a Family Friendly Experience in York including hosting a variety of Charity Events most recently "The Bounce to Beat Cancer Event with Sean Coxhead.

St Leonard's Hospice Lights on the Lake

About Them

St Leonard's Hospice is an independent charity, providing specialist palliative care and support for local people with life limiting illnesses. The Hospice is made up of an In-patient Unit, Sunflower Centre and Hospice@Home service. Every patient is recognised and treated as an individual, and as a result are able to enjoy the best possible quality of life. Care also extends to support families and carers.

A hospice is not just a building; it is a way of caring for people. In addition to a team of highly experienced doctors and nurses, the Hospice has specialists in a wide range of roles including complementary therapy, lymphoedema care, physiotherapy, social work, bereavement, occupational therapy and spiritual care.

St Leonard's care is free of charge to patients and their families but not free to provide. As a charity they rely heavily on the generosity of the public to raise over £5.8 million each year that it takes to run St Leonard's Hospice. Although St Leonard's does get some public funding the majority of the running costs have to be raised from donations and fundraising by the local community - businesses, groups and individuals.

Why Should They Win?

Lights on the Lake was a new event this year, and an opportunity for people to come together in shared remembrance, whilst raising vital funds for the Hospice.

The evening was incredibly poignant, with around 1,500 people in attendance. It was moving to see around 700 lanterns, each one dedicated to special people being remembered, floating onto the lake under a full moon. Our spiritual care lead said a few words and York Civic Youth Choir sang songs.

Events such as this are really important and can offer support and comfort to those who are grieving. The event was open to anyone who wanted to attend, whether connected specifically with St Leonard's or not, and as such was a true community event. 

Lights on the Lake raised over £10,000 for St Leonard's Hospice.

Feedback from attendees received included: 

Very moving to think that my dedication to my late husband helped to make that beautiful display.

Wonderful atmosphere - poignant but joyful - job well done!

I bought a lantern to remember Kate, as the very idea of lighting up the darkness sums her up. That some of the nurses remembered me, and even Kate's room number, sums their dedication up.

Macmillan Cancer "Hopes & Dreams" Charity Ball 2019

About Them

York Racecourse is a very special venue, voted best racecourse for the last three years with 18 days racing and over 700 events throughout the year including weddings, banqueting, conferences, exhibitions and Christmas & New Year celebrations.

The Macmillan Cancer "Hopes & Dreams" Charity Ball was created as a thank you to the charity that once helped me with my cancer diagnostic, aged 26.  After my recovery I wanted to give back to the charity as a thank you and after the success of the first ball, four years ago, I continued the hard work and commitment, as the sole organiser, of this event, creating an exclusively fun and energetic event which offers value for money, a great night for all, understanding the importance of Macmillan and fighting cancer, a fun packed filled evening and an amazing "Wow" factor theme (which takes 3 days to decorate!!) and offers a great ticket price to all, so everyone can be part of this special event!

In four years the Hopes & Dreams Ball has raised a staggering £51,477 for Macmillan! 

Why Should They Win?

This event is organised in all my own time, with great local sponsors from amazing companies and suppliers, all wanting to be part of this event, its already been voted top 3 "Best Events" in Yorkshire, has a 5 star review from our clients on Facebook and is known as the largest Macmillan event in the "North East" selling out for the last 2 years too! This event also creates memories and is covered by Living North and Country Living Magazine too! 

Our Indian Summer 2019 Ball presented... 

Hosted by Ben Fry at Minster FM, including an "Oscar Style" Carpet arrival with live entertainment from the Magic Ball Man & Innovation Entertainment with our amazing Stilt walkers & Indian Drummers | Fizz Reception with Live Music from Lee Symonns | Three Course Dinner with Live entertainment from York University Central Hall Music Society & XFactor contestant Nathan Grisdale, including table entertainment from The Magic Ball Man & Oliver Twist Magic | Live & Silent Auctions | Wishing Tree Raffle | Fun Casino | Midnight Nibbles | Live band "The Superlicks" and Club DJ till 2am and Sold Out! 

The Wilberforce Trust Easter Egg Hunt

About Them

The Wilberforce Trust exists to improve the quality of life for people with sensory loss as well as other disabilities, allowing them to live as confidently and independently as possible. 

We provide a safe, supportive and enabling environment for people with sight and/or hearing loss including those with other disabilities by ensuring the highest standard of purpose built, fully accessible accommodation.  We provide care, support and advice across the community with our professional rehab team and we run activities for adults and children with sensory loss to enable them to enjoy their lives to the max through learning and fun. 

Why Should They Win?

On Easter Sunday the Wilberforce Trust held their first ever egg hunt specifically designed for children with visual impairments and their families. Instead of the traditional egg hunt in which children hunt for chocolate eggs through clues and sight, our egg hunt involved 50 magnificent colourful bleeping eggs. Each bleeping egg had been individually made specifically for this egg hunt by one of our staff member's father. 

The eggs were hidden throughout the field in decorated boxes and hampers and the children had to hunt for the eggs by following the bleeping sounds. Once the children had found the eggs they were then exchanged for yummy chocolate eggs over at the egg swap station.

One of our main objectives was to ensure that the whole event was inclusive for families by allowing sighted siblings to participate wearing a blindfold.  

The event was a huge success for both the children and the parents, many of whom commented that it is the first time they have been able to see their child enjoying a fully inclusive Easter egg hunt. 

We are excited to come back next year with an even bigger and better egg hunt. 

Vote In All The Categories

To vote in our other categories please click which category you would like to vote in and then choose which business you want to win. Remember you can vote in as many categories as you wish!

Best Cafe or Tearoom

Best Hair & Beauty

Best Place To Stay

Best Tradesperson

Best Pub or Bar

Best Restaurant

Best Fish & Chip Shop

Best Wedding Venue

Best Entertainment Venue

Best Event

Best Charity Event

Best Small Gym

Best Large Gym

Best Under 18s Activity Group

Best Legal/Financial/Estate Agent Service

Best Independent High Street Business

Best New Business

Best Small Attraction

Best Large Attraction

Charity of the Year

Terms and Conditions

• The business must be within the Minster FM broadcast area which details can be found here.
• This competition is also governed by the offical terms and conditions of Minster FM which can be found here.
• In the event of a tie, all tied businesses will share the accolade or move forward to the next round of voting.
• The top six best performing businesses in each category will be shortlisted on Tuesday 17th September.

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