"Although it is an honour for me to receive the St Martin's Challenge Award, I am conscious of the fact that there are many other men and women who have done far more than myself to aid those who have suffered misfortune in life. What gives me particular pleasure is that this award will be given at the Lebanese Embassy in London. The people of Lebanon have suffered greatly over the years and have demonstrated considerable resilience in the face of extreme hardship. I trust that the award will give encouragement to people of all faiths in Lebanon and beyond who work for peace and reconciliation."

Sir Terry Waite CBE

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"On the 9th May 2019, I was very honoured to take part in the presentation of the St Martin's Challenge Lifetime Achievement Award to a remarkable man, Terry Waite CBE. It was a most touching experience to see this gentle and very humble man receive official recognition for a lifetime of work and what amazing work it has been; in his capacity as Church Envoy and hostage negotiator working for peace and reconciliation between all faiths, and also in his capacity for charitable causes.

The St Martin's Challenge Awards serve to recognise the outstanding contributions of remarkable and very special individuals who, like Terry, have demonstrated a drive to make the world a better place.

It is vital in our fast-paced world, where many live by the credo 'time is money' that we occasionally stop to reflect, to acknowledge and to be inspired by our unsung heroes and their achievements, to see just what inspirational good work exceptional human beings are doing for other humans, which is priceless, and this is exactly that the St Martin's Challenge Awards are about.

It is my earnest hope that the St Martin's Challenge Awards will inspire many others to get involved in humanitarian work. The world needs to be inspired by extraordinary individuals such as Terry and long may he continue to inspire!"

His Excellency Rami Mortada, Ambassador of Lebanon. 

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This was an amazing event. Thank you Lewis for starting these Awards and for your passion to see a better world where we are all enlightened, and equal.

Anne Wafula Strike MBE.

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It was such an privilege to receive a St Martin’s Challenge Award at a wonderful evening spent in the magical Jesus College Chapel in Cambridge. It was also so uplifting to hear Rory Cellan-Jones speak about his ongoing journey with Parkinson’s Disease and to hear the vital work being undertaken by the Cognitive and Brain Sciences Unit at Cambridge.

Linda Brash, retired NHS nurse.

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We cannot thank Lewis enough for supporting our Brain and Mind Health research at Cambridge University through the St Martin's Challenge. The successful event last Wednesday to support the MRC Cognitive Brain Unit is only one example of his commitment and was an extremely positive way to raise awareness of our work into Parkinson’s and dementia. All the academics across the Department of Clinical Neuroscience and the Department of Psychiatry are hugely grateful to him for his ongoing efforts to help secure philanthropic donations for us. A substantial gift that he facilitated last year has already been used to enable an excellent postgraduate student to remain at Cambridge and conduct vital research into Parkinson’s Disease. Given that he has no official affiliation to our Brain and Mind Health Departments, it is clear that he is offering this assistance simply because he are driven to help those who will benefit from our research. There is no obligation whatsoever for him to do this, but we are so grateful that he does! 

Melina Mercier, Senior Associate Director for Brain and Mind Health, Cambridge University,

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The St Martin’s Challenge is such a wonderful initiative helping the most vulnerable in society. I was delighted to attend their event at the Royal Academy of Music in aid of Samaritans, a charity I value so highly myself. Not only did the event raise much needed funds for Samaritans, it also raised the awareness that no one is ever alone, even in the darkest of times, and that help is always available to those who need it.

Gail Porter, TV presenter and Samaritans Ambassador.

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Receiving a St Martin's Challenge Award was a humbling recognition of the hard work being done to bring more humanity into our criminal justice system. Real reform requires perseverance and a belief that every life has value and potential for rehabilitation. While there is still much progress to be made, I am inspired by the dedicated individuals fighting to make prisons places of rehabilitation. Receiving this award strengthened my resolve to keep campaigning for the understanding and second chances that all people deserve.

David Breakspear, Prison reform campaigner.

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The St Martin's Challenge works incredibly hard to raise awareness and funding for many charitable causes, including prison rehabilitation. As a person with lived experience I am in awe at the time, efforts and strengths that they go to."

Brendan Ross, 2022 Longford Prize winner.

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Hidden Voices became familiar with the St Martin's Challenge in 2020 and immediately recognised a kindred spirit committed to advancing and amplifying the cause and needs of marginalised communities. Their support of charities has made and will continue to make a significant impact in the lives of those same communities. The passion for social change demonstrated by Lewis and the team resonate deeply with our own.

Gerry Hamill, Founder, Hidden Voices, Glasgow, Scotland.

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I have had the pleasure and honour to know Lewis Owens since he set up the St. Martin’s Challenge in 2018. Since its inauguration, the St. Martin’s Challenge has not only helped & empowered so many people who would come under the category of “Socially excluded” due to their being an ex-prisoner but also it has shone the light of recognition onto those who would help these souls.

I fall into both categories. Being a former prisoner and now someone who has dedicated his life to help those whom society would rather forget, I can truly say that society is better served by having both Dr. Owens and the St. Martin’s Challenge in it.

Michael Campbell, De Profundis Ltd.

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