/Elisabeth Hannah Honored with Gold at Best Businesswomen Awards 2026
– Elisabeth Hannah wins Gold in the Charity Champion category at the Best Businesswomen Awards 2026.
– Her charity, Cabaret vs Cancer, commemorates its tenth anniversary this year.
– The awards celebrate female entrepreneurs and leaders in charity across the UK.
Elisabeth Hannah, the founder of Cabaret vs Cancer, has been awarded Gold in the Charity Champion category at the Best Businesswomen Awards 2026. The recognition was announced during the national final on October 16 at the Daventry Court Hotel, acknowledging her contributions to building the charity and her efforts to support individuals affected by cancer, grief, and loss.
Established in 2015, Cabaret vs Cancer is a grant-giving charity with a mission to assist those navigating some of life’s most challenging moments. Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the charity unites performers, audiences, volunteers, and supporters to generate funds for organizations that provide both practical and emotional support to individuals impacted by cancer and bereavement.
Hannah launched Cabaret vs Cancer following the devastating loss of her parents to cancer. Her mother passed away from lung cancer in 2010, followed by her father, who succumbed to bladder and bone cancer in 2013 after spending his final days in hospice care. This personal grief and the struggle to explain such profound loss to her young niece and nephew motivated her to create a positive outlet for others enduring similar hardships.
With a background as a burlesque performer since 2007 and a cabaret producer since 2009, Hannah tapped into the generosity and community spirit prevalent within the cabaret scene. She merged her passions for creativity and live entertainment to raise funds and foster a supportive community around a deeply personal cause.
“Winning Gold means an enormous amount to me, particularly as Cabaret vs Cancer celebrates its tenth anniversary. The charity grew from a very personal experience of cancer and grief, and from wanting to turn that loss into something useful for other people,” said Hannah.
“This award belongs to everyone who has been part of that journey. Our trustees, volunteers, performers, audiences, donors and supporters have given their time, talent and generosity year after year. Together, we have created something that genuinely helps people at some of the hardest moments of their lives.”
The Best Businesswomen Awards recognize the achievements of female business owners and leaders in charity throughout the UK. Winners are chosen by an expert panel, requiring candidates to demonstrate their accomplishments.
Debbie Gilbert, founder and organizer of the Best Businesswomen Awards, noted, “Behind every winning business is a woman on a mission who has taken risks, solved problems and worked hard to make her vision a reality. These awards recognize what those women have achieved and the difference their work makes to customers, communities and the people they employ.”
The judges commended Cabaret vs Cancer for effectively uniting performers, volunteers, and audiences in the support of those affected by cancer, grief, and loss. They acknowledged how Elisabeth utilized her own experiences and creative skills to craft shows and auctions that substantially impact individuals confronting life’s toughest challenges.
“Ten years in, this award feels like both a celebration and a new starting point. We want to build on everything our community has achieved, raise more money and help more organizations provide the support that can make such a difference when someone is facing cancer or bereavement,” added Hannah.
