The inspirational woman who leads Southport Soup Kitchen, saving many lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable people, has been honoured at the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
Marie Buchanan was given huge applause at The Grand in Southport as presenter Fraser Dainton shared her remarkable spirit of dedication, selflessness and generosity with the audience.
Marie was recognised as the Finalist for the Main Grand Pride Of Sefton Award sponsored by Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group, the most prestigious award of the night.
The Main Award this year was won by Dr Karen Groves MBE, who founded Queenscourt Hospice 35 years ago.
Marie Buchanan’s impact on the local community has been immense, leading the services offered through Southport Soup Kitchen, which is situated on London Street in Southport town centre.
She leads a team of determined volunteers; secures vital food, goods and support from local businesses; and works with vulnerable people and families to ensure they get the help and support they need.
Marie recently lead the transformation of the kitchen and reception area at Southport Soup Kitchen.
She received several nominations from impressed members of the public.
One of them read: “Marie Buchanan IS Southport Soup Kitchen.
“For over twenty years, she has dedicated herself to helping vulnerable individuals and families to access hot food and basic provisions – and has never been paid a penny for it.
“Her warm and compassionate nature draws people to the Soup Kitchen and she has been instrumental in helping shape the charity’s strong local partnerships in the community.
“Within moments of meeting her, people in need know that they are safe in Marie’s hands – that they will be listened to without judgement and helped to access food and support at the Soup Kitchen.
“It is no exaggeration to state that she has saved lives.
“There are many grateful individuals that have found hope and resilience and turned their lives around thanks to her gentle guidance. She never gives up on anyone and they, in turn, feel seen and supported.
“As first Treasurer and now Managing Director of Southport Soup Kitchen, Marie has patiently mentored hundreds of volunteers over the years, myself included.
“She has built a strong and loyal team who take a huge amount of pride in knowing that we are a part of something special.
“Marie is a passionate advocate for Southport Soup Kitchen and works tirelessly to raise awareness of the issues facing vulnerable people in our local community.
“She never draws attention to the sacrifices that she has made over the years, or to her extraordinary accomplishment of taking the charity through Covid and growing it from strength to strength.
“Instead, she quietly continues making a difference – because that is who she is – sincere and driven with a quiet determination to help people that cannot help themselves.
“I don’t think that Marie realises just how many people’s lives she has impacted – guests, volunteers and community partners included. She is incredibly modest and humble.
“Actually she’s just incredible. I am so proud of my beautiful friend and hope that by nominating her for this award, she finally realises just how special she is.”
To support the work of Southport Soup Kitchen visit: Southport Soup Kitchen – A helping hand for those in need. Serving our community since 2002.
The 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards celebrated selfless, talented and courageous people across 13 categories at The Grand in Southport on Friday night (24th April 2026).
The Main Award was won by Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves MBE.
The evening was hosted by former Sky Sports News presenter Fraser Dainton with VIP guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE and Mayor of Sefton Cllr Burns, on one of her final engagements to crown her three busy years as Mayor.
Funds were raised on the night for the ICU Steps charity, which supports patients in intensive care and their families.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio with support from Southport BID.
There are 13 categories including Child of Courage, School Of The Year, Community Impact, Charity Champion and more, plus the Main Award.
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