Thanks to your vote, Mountbatten Isle of Wight is celebrating major national success at the ‘Oscars of charity film’ – the 2026 Smiley Film Awards – winning a Gold award and £3,000 in prize funding.
‘The Letter’ named People’s Choice winner
At an online awards ceremony on 29th April 2026, the charity’s film, ‘The Letter’, was revealed as the People’s Choice winner in its category.
It followed a nationwide public vote, during what organisers described as the most competitive year in the awards’ history.
Created with Isle of Wight agency
The film, created in collaboration with Isle of Wight-based NOSY Creative Agency, was also awarded a Smiley trophy and will receive national media coverage celebrating the impact of its storytelling.
McGregor: This means so much to us
Mountbatten CEO, Becky McGregor, said,
“We are absolutely thrilled to have won a Gold People’s Choice Award. This means so much to us because it reflects the incredible support of our community – everyone who voted, shared our film and got behind us.
“This recognition helps shine a light on the vital care we provide every day across the Isle of Wight. 85 per cent of our care is delivered in people’s homes (compared to a national average of 50 per cent), and Mountbatten Isle of Wight reaches 70 per cent of all deaths on the Island.
“The difference that support makes to local families at the most difficult times in their lives is huge.”
From silver to gold
The Smiley Charity Film Awards recognise the most powerful and engaging charity films across the UK, with winners decided either bya panel of industry experts or via a public vote, highlighting the strength of community support behind each cause.
The win comes just one year after Mountbatten secured a Silver People’s Choice award. This year’s gold success translates directly into funding that supports Mountbatten’s 24/7 care for around 2,500 people every day – those facing death, dying, and bereavement across the Island.
McGregor: We cannot thank our supporters enough
Becky added,
“At a time when funding is increasingly challenged, the prize fund provides a welcome boost to our services.
“We cannot thank our supporters enough for turning their votes into such a meaningful win.”
News shared by Lucy on behalf of Mountbatten. Ed
