We are incredibly proud to share that our Managing Director, Claire Austin, has been awarded the Special Recognition Award at the Heart Hertfordshire Hero Awards 2026—an honour that celebrates individuals who make a lasting and meaningful difference within their communities.
Claire has been part of our family business for 28 years, and throughout that time, she has not only led Austins with care and compassion but has also made community support a central part of her life’s work. This award recognises not just her professional leadership, but the extraordinary impact she has had on countless lives across Hertfordshire and beyond.
On the night, Station Director Debbie Chadwick introduced the award with these moving words:
“Our final award tonight is the Heart Hertfordshire Special Recognition Award and this one is special to me.
It not just about achievement… it’s about impact. The kind of impact that quietly shapes a community, lifts people up when they need it most, and keeps showing up year after year.
This Award celebrates someone who embodies exactly that.
Claire Austin is a name many of you will already know. She is not just the woman that has continued to lead her family business, but someone who has made community support part of her life’s work.
From running the London Marathon for her local hospice… to raising over £8,000 in one unforgettable moment dressed as Rapunzel… Claire doesn’t just support causes, she throws herself into them.
Over the years, she has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities, changing lives both here in Hertfordshire and far beyond.
Through the Austin Foundation, she continues to champion vital causes like Young Lives vs Cancer. And closer to home, her support for services like Stand-By-Me has helped children and young people navigate some of life’s toughest moments.
Alongside all of this, she’s led and evolved her family business, creating spaces like Harwood Park Crematorium that truly serve families with care, compassion and dignity.
But what really stands out… is the way Claire shows up for people.
In a room like this tonight — full of local heroes, powerful stories, and people who’ve overcome so much — her work resonates more than ever.”
You can watch the testimonial video which was played on the night HERE
Claire’s dedication to fundraising is truly inspiring. Whether it’s running the London Marathon, shaving her head, abseiling, skydiving, taking on firewalks or even jail breaks, she consistently goes above and beyond to support charitable causes. Through the Austin Foundation and her personal efforts, she has helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for organisations that make a real difference.
As a business, we are immensely proud of Claire—not only for this well-deserved recognition, but for the compassion, leadership and generosity she demonstrates every single day. Her commitment to supporting families and strengthening our community is at the very heart of everything we do.
Congratulations, Claire, on this incredible achievement.
