Sam’s Superheroes wins “Charity of the Year” at the Lots for Tots Derbyshire Awards

We’re over the moon to share that Sam’s Superheroes Foundation has been named “Charity of the Year” at the Lots for Tots Derbyshire Awards a first award for the

Foundation and a beautiful tribute to Sam.

“I honestly can’t put into words how much this means. To everyone who’s supported us, and to every child and family we’ve been lucky enough to be able to support in some small way, this award is for you."

Rachel Liew, Sam’s mummy and founder of Sam’s Superheroes Foundation proudly accepted the award at a prestigious ceremony on Saturday 5 April at Mickleover Hotel.

The event celebrated individuals and organisations making a real difference to the lives of Derbyshire families.

Among lots of local nominees are well-loved names such as Bluebell Dairy Ice Cream Farm, Messy Play, Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health, Puddle Ducks Derbyshire and Herotown, reflecting the breadth of talent and dedication within the local family sector.

What are the Lots for Tots Derbyshire Awards?

The Lots for Tots Derbyshire Awards celebrate family-focused organisations, volunteers and businesses that make life better for children and parents across Derby.

Lots for Tots is a long-running free magazine for families, and its awards were created to recognise the people and organisations doing outstanding work for under-fives and their siblings. Several categories, including public-facing ones, are decided by community vote, which makes this win especially meaningful.

Why this award matters

Sam’s Superheroes Foundation was set up in memory of Sam, who died aged five from FIRES (Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome), a rare and devastating condition that causes sudden, relentless seizures.

The charity funds critical FIRES research, provides financial grants to families, and offers emotional support through animal-assisted therapy.

This award recognises both the team behind the charity and the community standing with families facing the unimaginable.

"Four years ago, Sam was fighting for his life in critical care with FIRES. I prayed every second for a miracle… but for some reason my beautiful boy was only meant to be on this earth for five short years.

"I didn’t think I could survive losing Sam. But I followed my mother’s instinct, in the same way I did when he was born. I had this overwhelming urge to make a difference in his name and I knew I needed to pour all my love for Sam into something that could carry his beautiful light shining in the world for years to come.

"That’s how Sam’s charity was born... to make a difference in his name. Sam’s light keeps shining and this award is for him.”

Thank you

To everyone who nominated, voted, donated, fundraised or simply shared a post thank

you. Community recognition like this fuels the next grant, the next therapy session, and the next research milestone and perhaps one day a treatment for FIRES.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child. But it takes a whole community to build a charity. I’m so grateful to those who have been behind us from the start and I’m looking forward to growing our organisation to help more families and above all, find a cure for FIRES.”

How you can help

• Donate to support FIRES research, family grants and animal therapy

• Fundraise with your school, workplace or community group

Your donation can drive groundbreaking research, offer animal-assisted therapy, deliver creative therapy toolkits to children in hospitals, and provide essential financial grants to families navigating life with FIRES (and NORSE).

Every contribution matters. Whether it's a one-time gift or ongoing support, you're helping us bring hope, care, and progress to those who need it most.

Join us in honouring Sam’s legacy. Together, we can make a real difference.

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