A long-standing Acton community leader has been recognised for more than three decades of work supporting young people and families across the borough after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award on International Women’s Day.
Margaret Noel was presented with the award during The Power Of A Woman event at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in central London on Sunday (8 March 2026). Organisers had kept the honour secret, making her the first person called to the stage in what friends described as a surprise moment.
Family members and volunteers from the Acton-based charity Descendants were present in the audience and had been aware of the plan in advance.
Ms Noel has spent more than 30 years working with children, young people and families in Acton and across the London Borough of Ealing. In 1993 she founded Descendants, a community organisation aimed at raising educational aspirations, strengthening cultural identity and creating opportunities for young people, particularly those of African and Caribbean heritage.
The organisation is known for its Dr John Roberts QC Achievement Awards, which recognise academic success and personal development among young people. Former participants include England footballer Bukayo Saka, alongside doctors, pilots, teachers and other professionals who have since gone on to support the charity as volunteers.
Ms Noel’s work has also helped inspire other community initiatives in the borough, including Youth Street Beats (YSB Arts), A Mothers Tear Drop and the Caribbean and African Collective, Ealing (C.A.C.E).
Her contribution has previously been recognised at both civic and national level. She was selected as an Olympic torchbearer during the London 2012 Games, while Descendants received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2019.
In 2024 Ms Noel developed sepsis following surgery and spent time in intensive care, later living with a stoma. Despite the illness, she continued supporting preparations for Descendants’ 30th anniversary celebrations in South Acton.
Speaking after receiving the award, Ms Noel said: “I feel very honoured to be recognised in this way. I want to recognise the Descendants volunteers for their ongoing dedication and sterling work. I dedicate this award to them.”
She added that she is already looking ahead to the next Dr John Roberts Awards in 2026.
