RICHARD and Michelle Daniels, the co-founders of Nottingham baby loss charity Forever Stars, have been recognised for their commitment and impact through their charitable work, with a coveted National Charity Today Award.
They were announced as the winners of the 2026 National Charity Today Awards™ prestigious James E. Smith Special Recognition Award named in honour of Private James E. Smith, a British Army veteran who served in the Burma Campaign during the Second World War, at the Awards ceremony in Peterborough on Wednesday 14th October.
The James E. Smith Special Recognition Award recognises people who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and impact through their charitable work, and is one of the National Charity Today Awards – regarded as the benchmark for excellence in the UK charity sector – which for more than ten years have celebrated and acknowledged outstanding achievements, innovation, and impact across the UK’s charity sector, and the people and organisations transforming lives across the UK.
Richard and Michelle started Forever Stars in 2014, just a short time after their daughter Emily was stillborn. Today, as then, the charity is dedicated to supporting families who have experienced the heartbreak of losing a baby, as well as to raise awareness of baby loss, stillbirth and infant loss.
Earlier this year, Forever Stars, which is run entirely by volunteers and trustees, passed a huge £1million in total funds raised since it began. In 2025, it was awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, and which is equivalent to an MBE.
Speaking after the National Charity Awards presentation, Michelle Daniels said:
“It was a truly beautiful event and a privilege to be in a room alongside so many inspiring individuals and deserving organisations, all making a real difference in their communities.
“This award recognises the incredible work Forever Stars does to support the baby loss community in Nottingham. Receiving this recognition during Baby Loss Awareness Week makes it even more poignant and meaningful.
“Above all, this award is a testament to the wonderful community behind Forever Stars,”
Richard Daniels added:
“From our dedicated trustees and amazing volunteers to our generous corporate sponsors, donors, supporters, and everyone who attends our events. Every single contribution helps make our work possible. Forever Stars is only able to do what it does because of each and every one of them. We really want to thank all those people who believe in our mission, who are standing alongside us, and helping us continue to make a difference to families affected by baby loss.”
Two Awards in two days
The day after receiving The Charity Today Award, Forever Stars took the Community Organisation award in the East Midlands’ leading TheBusinessDesk awards.
To find out more about Forever Stars, visit the charity’s website: Forever Stars | East Midlands | Stillbirth & Child Bereavement Charity.
