The Duke of Edinburgh gave the Prince Philip Award to The Baby Bank's co-CEOs. The Prince Philip Trust Fund has also given more than £86,000 to 44 local causes.

The two women who run The Baby Bank in Holyport have been given the Prince Philip Award by the Duke of Edinburgh, and the trust behind the award has handed more than £86,000 to 44 charities and community projects across the Royal Borough.

Rebecca Mistry and Lauren Hall, the charity’s co-CEOs, received the award for their work supporting families going through difficult times in Windsor and Maidenhead, The Prince Philip Trust Fund announced on 12 November.

From kitchen tables to 51,000 children

The Baby Bank gives struggling families the essentials for babies and children: food, clothing and other supplies. It started in 2015, run from its founders’ homes and kitchen tables, according to the trust. It is now based in Holyport, has more than 45 regular volunteers and has supported more than 51,000 children, young people and their families. It received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2025.

Chris Aitken, secretary and trustee of the Prince Philip Trust Fund, said:

“The work undertaken by Rebecca and Lauren at The Baby Bank is a wonderful example of the difference that committed individuals can make to the lives of others. Their dedication to supporting families at some of their most difficult times makes them very worthy recipients of the Prince Philip Award.”

The award is given every two years to people in the Royal Borough who have gone above and beyond their paid or voluntary role in helping others. The trustees draw up the shortlist and choose the winners. The award also marks the legacy of the late Prince Philip, who founded the Trust Fund and chaired it for 40 years; since 1977 it has given millions of pounds to local projects, charities and good causes.

Where the £86,000 is going

The latest grants were agreed at a recent meeting of the trustees, chaired by the Duke of Edinburgh. Grants are typically between £500 and a maximum of £5,000, the trust said. It set out what some of the 44 recipients will spend the money on:

Families and people in hardship

  • Food 4 Children, which gives struggling families weekly food support.
  • The Cowshed, for kitchen starter packs for families in emergency accommodation.
  • Alma Beacon, which supports homeless people.
  • The Baby Bank, towards Christmas gifts for children.
  • Home-Start Berkshire East, for its Little Starters project at Larchfield.
  • The Link Foundation, to support families in severe hardship.

Older and vulnerable residents

  • Age Concern Windsor, Re-engage and People to Places, to tackle loneliness and help people reach services and activities.

Schools and young people

  • Charters School, towards microphones for its summer production.
  • Eton Wick School, a contribution towards interactive classroom boards.
  • Cumberland Lodge, for its Young Voices Bursary, which helps young people take part in its discussion forums and educational opportunities.
  • Maidenhead Community Book Festival, towards its 2027 schools event.
  • Well Windsor, the parent-led mental health charity, for its Digital Foundations Programme.

Arts and culture

  • Windsor Fringe, for its Showcase Weekend.
  • Cantorum Choir, towards its performance of Bach’s B Minor Mass at St George’s Chapel.

The trust says a significant share of this round goes to charities helping people facing financial hardship, isolation, ill health or other difficult circumstances. The rest covers education, the arts and getting people involved in sport and recreation.

“The latest round of grants also demonstrates the extraordinary diversity of our local charitable sector,” Mr Aitken said. “From supporting families experiencing hardship and helping older people to providing opportunities for young people, education, arts and sport, these organisations make an invaluable contribution to life across Windsor and Maidenhead.

“Our Chairman, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, and my fellow Trustees remain deeply impressed by the dedication of the many individuals and organisations working tirelessly to support others in our community. We are delighted that the Trust Fund can play a part in helping them continue their important work.”

All 44 grant recipients

The full list of charities and groups given a grant in this round, as supplied by the trust:

  • 1st Datchet Sea Scouts
  • Age Concern Windsor
  • Alexander Devine
  • Alma Beacon
  • ASASN
  • Bears Rails Campsite (Windsor and Eton Scout Council)
  • Berkshire MS Therapy Centre
  • Berkshire Vision
  • Box and Fir
  • Busy Buttons CORE
  • Buttons and Bubbles
  • Cantorum Choir
  • Charters School
  • Churches Together in Windsor
  • Clewer Non Ecclesiastical Charity
  • Cumberland Lodge
  • Eton Wick School
  • Family Holiday Charity
  • Food 4 Children
  • Health Club Community CIC
  • Hestia Housing and Support
  • Home-Start Berkshire East
  • Maidenhead Breastfeeding Hub
  • Maidenhead Community Book Festival
  • Maidenhead Tai Chi Community Group
  • MND Association
  • People to Places
  • Re-engage
  • Royal Free Singers
  • Royal School
  • Something to Look Forward to
  • Thames Hospice
  • The Baby Bank
  • The Cowshed
  • The Link Foundation
  • The Living Paintings Trust
  • Well Windsor
  • Windsor & Eton Opera
  • Windsor A Cappella
  • Windsor Baptist Church
  • Windsor Fringe
  • Windsor Methodist Church
  • Windsor Old Peoples Welfare Association
  • Youth Community Counselling Service (No22)

What it means for you

If your family needs help with baby and children’s essentials, The Baby Bank sets out who it helps and how referrals work on its website. The Trust Fund gives grants twice a year, and the next deadline for applications is 1 March. Local charities and groups thinking of applying can read its funding criteria and how to apply.

Some of this money also feeds back from local events: proceeds from Long Walk Live, the music festival on the Long Walk next June, go to the Prince Philip Trust Fund and Windsor Festival.