A motivational speaker from St Neots has been shortlisted for a national award.
Sarah Stones, from St Neots, is in the running for Best TEDx Speaker 2026 at The Speaker Awards, which shine a spotlight on the most inspiring and innovative speakers from across the industry.
Ms Stones, who lives with cerebral palsy, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2014 and underwent a mastectomy.
She continued working as a speaker, consultant, and advocate during her treatment and was later diagnosed with cancer in her other breast, leading to a second mastectomy in October 2025.
Ms Stones said: "For a speaker who has spent a lifetime navigating the roughest of waters, it is a recognition that could not feel more fitting."
Following her cancer treatment, she committed fully to her business, Plain Sailing Motivation, and has since worked across the UK and internationally to improve employee motivation, engagement, and wellbeing.
The award is her first time entering the competition, and she felt encouraged to do so after hearing feedback on the impact of her TEDx talk, What Drives Us: Rethinking Motivation, Engagement and Mental Health.
Ms Stones said: "Hearing that I had been shortlisted for Best TEDx Speaker 2026—recognising an idea that changes how people see the world—was an exhilarating moment for me.
"The calibre of speakers across all the award categories is so high this year and I’m genuinely honoured to be featured alongside them.
"Everything I have been through has only deepened my belief that understanding what really drives us is one of the most important conversations we can have—both in workplaces and in life."
The Speaker Awards are now in their fifth year and winners will be announced at a gala evening in London on Friday, July 3.
Her TEDx talk can be watched on plainsailingmotivation.co.uk.
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