CAPTION: The St Boniface Awards recognise those who go above and beyond to serve their churches, schools, and communities with joy.
Celebrating those serving with joy across Devon at St Boniface Awards
A churchwarden who saved a man’s life, a university vice-chancellor championing social mobility, and a youth leader transforming the lives of young people were among those honoured at this year’s St Boniface Awards.
Eleven people from across Devon have been recognised in a special service for their inspirational contributions to the life of the church in Devon.
The St Boniface Awards took place at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 6 June 2026.
The St Boniface Awards are named after Devon’s patron saint, who was born in Crediton.
The awards were established in 2019, as a way of celebrating people who go above and beyond in their churches, schools, communities and overseas to serve others.
Becky Britton, a churchwarden, received an award for saving a man’s life at a church event by administering CPR and using a defibrillator.
It was during the Archdeacon of Exeter’s annual visitation service at St George and St Paul’s Church in Tiverton in 2025 when a member of the congregation suffered a heart attack.
Becky was quick to step in and help, carrying out first aid until the emergency services arrived. The man made a full recovery.
Other recipients of this year’s awards included Nick White, a youth leader in Exmouth.
Nick has pioneered Football 4 All and co-founded Hygge Church, both outreaches which create welcoming spaces for those new to faith. Nick works tirelessly with young people facing complex challenges by mentoring individuals, supporting families, and building strong connections across Exmouth.
Nick said, “I feel really privileged and really blessed to be recognised for working with young people, particularly young people that are going through difficult times.”
“For me, it’s really important that the church recognises those young people and families and their difficulties. To work alongside them and to join with them, journey together, and share Jesus’ love with them.”
Anne Byrne, from St Michael and All Angels Church in Heavitree, received an award for founding and leading a church community library. Heavitree Friendly Library creates a warm, welcoming, child-friendly space within the church.
Through Anne’s leadership, the library has become a valued expression of hospitality and mission, offering free access to books, refreshments and activities, whilst encouraging the wider participation in church events.
Professor Claire Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Plymouth Marjon University, received an award for her visionary leadership which has guided the institution through a period of significant change.
Under her leadership, Marjon has achieved national recognition for teaching quality, student experience, and academic support, while continuing to champion social mobility and support students from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Nathan Hill, of Exeter Network Church, received an award for his evangelism work. Following a powerful personal journey from addiction and crime to faith and recovery, Nathan supports people struggling with addiction, leads Cocaine Anonymous in Exeter, and regularly shares his story to bring hope to others.
Peter Smith, a churchwarden at St Mary the Virgin Church in Silverton, received the award for his instrumental leadership in preserving a significant part of the church’s heritage. Over the past five years, he has devoted himself to the conservation of the nationally important historic ceilings, which were discovered in 2020. Peter has generously given both his time and his personal resources.
During the service the award recipients were presented with medals by the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, where they were admitted into the Company of St Boniface.
Bishop Mike said, “It’s so heartening to see the good work going on across Devon rooted in the Christian faith and showcased in the St Boniface award recipients.
“These recipients are just the tip of a very large iceberg of service – and a source not only of gratitude and appreciation but also of inspiration and example.”
The full list of recipients for this year’s awards were: Becky Britton of St George and St Paul Church in Tiverton; Anne Byrne of St Michael and All Angels Church in Heavitree; Nathan Hill of Exeter Network Church; Penelope (Penny) Hunt of Exeter Cathedral; Anne Jerman of Holy Cross Crediton; Alison Pinnock of St Mary’s Church Croyde; Rachel Carr of St Mary’s Church Kentisbeare; Peter Smith of St Mary the Virgin Silverton; Professor Claire Taylor of St Matts Church in Plymouth; Robert Vere of St Mary’s Church Morchard Bishop; and Nicholas (Nick) White of Holy Trinity Church Exmouth.
