Fantastic Lancashire venues and people honoured at SPU Awards 2026 - see the winners

Wonderful people and organisations around Lancashire were honoured at this weekend’s Solo Parents United (SPU) North West Awards.

The awards ceremony took place at Ribby Hall on Saturday (February 28), with SPU CIC celebrating single parents and other superstars from across the region.

Categories ranged from Best Venue and Best Organisation to Best Mentor and Biggest Solo Parent Supporter, with each award honouring the fantastic people and businesses who go out of their way to help single parent families.

Tommy and Emma Kirkwood started Solo Parents United CIC in Lancashire in 2022, aiming to tackle loneliness and offer support for single parents.

They said: “Four years ago, we left most people behind and did a midnight flit for safety and peace of mind.

“On Saturday, we filled that room at Ribby Hall and only two people from our ‘past life’ were there. Everyone else in that room? We didn’t even know them four years ago.

“Somehow, we’ve built a whole new community — a family. And from that community, we’re growing into something bigger: support that reaches beyond us to help other people rebuild too.”

They added: “A massive thank you to everyone who showed up on the night, everyone who helped in the run-up, and everyone supporting quietly in the background too.”

Take a look at the Lancashire people, venues and businesses honoured at the sparkling awards ceremony.