Nominate yours for grandparent of the year!

Running until Sunday 15 November 2026, the campaign to find the UK’s Grandparent of the Year invites members of the public to nominate a grandparent– or someone who has taken on the role of one – who has made an extraordinary difference to their lives or those around them.

Some parents may be familiar with the ‘18 summers’ concept, which encourages them to make the most of the summers they spend with their children before they become adults. But new research commissioned by Ambassador Cruise Line to mark its annual search for the nation’s Grandparent of the Year* shows that North East parent’s contribution to family life continues long after their children have grown up.

From school runs and babysitting to days out and household chores, grandparents across the North East continue to give their time and energy to their children and grandchildren. They remain the modern-day heroes of family life, often providing the help that keeps a busy household running.

Yet their efforts do not always feel recognised. While 73 per cent of the region’s grandparents say their family appreciates most or all of what they do, 20 per cent feel their support is taken for granted to some degree.

The scale of that contribution that sometimes goes unrecognised becomes clear in the everyday help grandparents provide. In the last 12 months, two in five (40 per cent) have taken their grandchildren on days out and a third (33 per cent) have provided childcare or babysitting services. One in three (33 per cent) have helped with school runs or pick-ups, while others have done the grocery shopping (33 per cent), looked after pets (27 per cent) and provided financial support to fund a holiday (27 per cent).

From Newcastle Upon Tyne to Sunderland and County Durham, Middlesbrough to Gateshead, Darlington and Hartlepool, North East grandparents’ contributions also include the quieter jobs that help family life run smoothly. A third (33 per cent) have helped with household chores in the past year, while 7 per cent have helped with homework or school projects.

And it’s not just practical support the silver generation offer. The region’s modern-day heroes are also digging deep to help their families, with the research finding that they have having given or lent them an average of £1,380 over the last 12 months. Some have helped with the costs associated with buying a car (13 per cent), covering rent or a rental deposit (7 per cent) or pay for education or university (7 per cent).

For many, this generosity comes with its own sacrifices. Nearly half (47 per cent) say they have had to reduce their everyday spending as a result of providing financial support to their family, while one in five (20 per cent) have missed out on social activities with friends because they could no longer afford them.

From the first school run to holidays with grown-up children, grandparents are there through every chapter of family life. Now, Ambassador Cruise Line is giving the North East public the chance to celebrate these modern-day heroes with the launch of its fourth annual search for the Great British Grandparent 2026.

Running until Sunday 15 November 2026, the campaign to find the UK’s Grandparent of the Year invites members of the public to nominate a grandparent– or someone who has taken on the role of one – who has made an extraordinary difference to their lives or those around them.

Written, audio and video submissions will be welcomed via a dedicated entry page hosted on the Ambassador website, with all entries judged by an expert panel. The affordable quality cruise line - which specialises in adult-only sailings aimed at the 50+ market – will draw up a shortlist of candidates from across the country for this year’s title, with Great British Grandparent 2026 announced just before Christmas. As well as being honoured with Ambassador’s Grandparent of the Year accolade, the winner will be treated to a complimentary week-long, full-board no-fly sailing for two to enjoy at a time of their choosing – because moments matter

Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line, says: “Grandparents are the anchors of family life. From school runs and babysitting to helping with the costs of family life, they give their time, care and energy in so many ways, continuing to play an important role long after their own children have grown up.

“Most feel appreciated, but our research sadly shows that some feel their help is taken for granted. Nearly half have reduced their own everyday spending as a result of supporting their family. Behind those figures are grandparents quietly making life easier for the people they love, sometimes at a cost to themselves.

“Parents may often hear that they only have 18 summers with their children, but grandparents show that spending quality time together remains just as meaningful as children grow older. It doesn’t have an expiry date.

“Grandparents selflessly give so much to those around them, and our annual search for the nation’s Great British Grandparent offers North East families the chance to recognise these modern-day heroes and thank them for everything they do.”

The search follows three years of inspiring nominations from across the UK. The inaugural Great British Grandparent in 2023 was Raymond Pearson from Essex, who was recognised for his unwavering support and dedication to his family. In 2024, the title went to Jeanette Townsend from West Sussex, while in 2025, devoted grandmother Janet Dinsdale from County Durham was named Great British Grandparent after being nominated by her beloved niece and rock, Jane, for the extraordinary care and support she provided to her family following the loss of her daughter.

With an estimated 14 million grandparents in the UK, Ambassador is proud to once again be championing the silver generation through its Great British Grandparent initiative. Those people looking to nominate someone they know should visit www.ambassadorcruiseline.com/ gbg2026/. Entries are open now and close at 23:59 on Sunday 15 November 2026.

Terms & Conditions:

• The prize provider is Ambassador Cruise Line, Gateway House, Stonehouse Ln, Purfleet RM19 1NS
• The competition prize is 1 x cruise holiday for two people (sharing an outside cabin) for up to 7 nights with Ambassador Cruise Line including full board accommodation. 
• The prize excludes: travel insurance; travel joining costs to the cruise terminal/port; port parking; onboard expenditure of a personal nature i.e. drinks, gifts, shopping, laundry, communications etc; any visa & health certificate charges that may apply; and crew gratuities which will be automatically billed to your onboard account at £7pp per night unless you opt for a drinks package.
• The prize is as described, is not transferable and there is no cash alternative. 
• All nominations/entries must be received by the closing date 15 November 2026.
• The entry criteria will be to comply with the T&Cs; complete the nomination form in full and complete the ‘Why are you nominating this grandparent?’ field with up to 250 words (written entries can be supported with additional documents, such as audio and video files). The winner selection will be made by an appointed group of judges and will be based on the written entries and supporting materials. The judges’ decision is final.
• Ambassador Cruise Line reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal value should circumstances become necessary. 
• The winner must hold a valid passport and comprehensive travel insurance. It is the winner’s responsibility to check any visa and health requirements for the cruise. 
• The winner may be required to take part in publicity resulting from the prize draw. 
• Ambassador has permission to use the winner’s name, image, and details from the entry in social media, media materials, and marketing materials (which may be shared publicly) in relation to the competition. 
• Entry into the competition assumes acceptance of the rules. 
• The prize winner must respond to Ambassador within 48 hours of contact, as publicity activity will be required following the close of the competition.
• The winner may be subject to background and/or referencing checks if deemed necessary by Ambassador Cruise Line.
• Ambassador Cruise Line and its PR agency Rooster will book the holiday prize within 28 days of the winner accepting the prize.
• Prize is subject to availability and blackout dates may apply.