Meet the judges

Amy Dowden

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After completing the 62-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path trek in support of CoppaFeel!, Amy discovered a lump on her breast, leading to a breast cancer diagnosis, mastectomy, and 3-months of chemotherapy.

Amy made history as the first Welsh professional dancer and finalist on Strictly Come Dancing, was crowned British National Latin Dance Champion, runs a dance academy mentoring students with learning disabilities, and is preparing for her next CoppaTrek! this summer.

“Having made the life-saving decision to get checked after my charity trek for CoppaFeel!, I have had firsthand experience of the impact fundraising can have on a person’s life.”

Pascale Harvie

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Pascale Harvie is President and General Manager at JustGiving.

With a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector, Pascale spearheads innovative strategies to maximise the impact of online fundraising.

Passionate about driving social change, Pascale is dedicated to helping organisations achieve their fundraising goals and make a difference in the world.

“Every single person who takes on a fundraising challenge to raise money for a good cause is amazing.”

Rickie Haywood-Williams

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Rickie Haywood-Williams is an award-winning and critically-acclaimed BBC Radio 1 presenter, television broadcaster, DJ, and Alzheimer’s Society ambassador.

He starred in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, appeared on Celebrity MasterChef and The Weakest Link, earned a win on House of Games, and became a finalist in The Celebrity Circle in aid of Stand Up to Cancer.

“This is a truly special event that celebrates some of the world’s most incredible fundraisers and crowdfunders.”

Caroline Jones

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Through 2015, award-winning fundraiser Caroline Jones raised over £55,000 for Cancer Research UK by creating outfits from their charity shops, resulting in a trophy for Creative Fundraiser Of The Year at the 2015 JustGiving Awards.

Caroline Jones is a fashion-lover, fundraiser, and host of the What Have I Done? podcast, and knows what it takes to create a successful fundraising campaign.

“As a long-standing fundraiser myself I understand how much dedication and commitment every single nominee has shown for the causes closest to them.”

Pat Phelan

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Pat Phelan is MD of UK & Ireland and Chief Customer Officer at GoCardless, working to make payments faster, cheaper, and more secure.

GoCardless is Headline Sponsor of the 2024 GoCardless JustGiving Awards, supporting fundraisers and charities on their missions to change the world and make a true impact.

“With so many well-deserved nominations, the process of choosing only 21 finalists is incredibly difficult but also an afternoon that is deeply humbling, moving and fulfilling.”

Jake Quickenden

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In 2024, Jake made headlines when he ran the London Marathon dressed as a bone to raise money and awareness of sarcoma after losing both his dad and brother to bone cancer.

Television reality star, solo artist, and professional footballer, Jake’s graced the screen on X Factor, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Dancing on Ice, and worked with the likes of Mel B, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Hance, and Adam Burridge.

“To see what other people have done in memory of their loved ones was amazing but at the same time, tough and I was not expecting to find it so difficult.”

Adele Roberts

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2023 GoCardless JustGiving Awards finalist Adele Roberts is an award-winning British broadcaster, author, fundraiser, runner, and DJ. Diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer, she set a world record as the fastest female marathoner with an ileostomy in 2023.

Adele has appeared across national TV, including Dancing on Ice 2024, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here, and The Great British Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer.

“I was over the moon to be a finalist, and now I am honoured to take on the role of being a judge. Having fundraised throughout my treatment with bowel cancer, I can truly appreciate the lengths that these people have gone to.”

Sunetra Sarker

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Sunetra Sarker knows firsthand the importance of fundraising, having lost two close friends to cancer. She’s an award-winning actor and podcast series host, first rising to prominence in Channel Four’s cult soap Brookside.

She’s dazzled audiences with regular leading roles in Casualty, No Angels, Ackley Bridge, Breeders, Loose Women, and Professor T, among others, plus presented Eurovision Welcomes the World (BBC One) and Britain’s Best Places to Live (Channel 5).

“After losing two of my friends to cancer last year, I know how important it is for us all to raise awareness for the causes we care most about. It really can save lives.”

Ellie Simmonds OBE

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2023 GoCardless JustGiving Awards presenter Ellie Simmonds OBE is a record-breaking swimmer and the second-youngest Paralympian medalist in British history, winning nine Paralympics gold medals and becoming BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.

Ellie has also received an Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II and was a flag bearer for the Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony.

“I was left in awe by the selfless fundraisers who have gone above and beyond. Having to choose between so many amazing individuals was no easy task because they truly all deserve the recognition.”