The Vivienne's sister was in tears as she accepted the Inspiration Award at the 2025 Attitude Awards

Since Vivienne's death, their family has campaigned to raise awareness of the dangers of ketamine, while The House of The Vivienne has been set up to help those in need.

Chanel Williams accepted the prize at the 2025 Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar, in London on Wednesday (08.10.25) and said: "It's an honour to be here tonight and to be receiving the very award that The Vivienne received in 2022.

"By definition, to be an inspiration is to use your actions, character and story to encourage others to do or achieve something - and The Vivienne did just that.

"She paved the way for the art of drag within the UK, she opened up doors that had never been opened, and she was proof that dreams really do come true.

"But above all, she stood fiercely with her community. A community that I am so proud to be an ally of - a community that, through the most difficult of times, has taken us in, supported us, protected us, and shown us the best parts of humanity."

Chanel added that her whole family was "extremely honoured" by the recognition as they have spent months trying to "reduce stigma around addiction".

She continued: "I stand here tonight as James' sister, and on behalf of our family, extremely honoured to be recognised for this award.

"Since James' passing, as a family we have campaigned to reduce stigma around addiction, to push for systemic changes, and to continue The Vivienne's work in helping others."

Concluding her speech, she added: "In 2022, The Vivienne accepted this award - and tonight, I accept this award on behalf of James, my brother, and my inspiration."

During the ceremony, Bimini, Tia Kofi, Bentley Robles, Eden Hunter and Janethan performed new song Your Light Will Shine in memory of The Vivienne.

Elsewhere on the night - which was hosted by Grace Kelly hitmaker Mika - Russell Tovey was named Man of the Year with Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies presenting the prize.

Anna Richardson presented Elizabeth Hurley with the Honorary Gay Award, while Josh Cavallo gave Dannii Minogue the Ally Award.

Other winners included Gok Wan with the Icon Award, Campbell Addy (Creator's Award), Luke Evans (Book Award), Tom Allen (Comedy Award) and Tiara Syke (Drag Award), while What It Feels Like For A Girl star Paris Lees and the rest of the cast received the TV Award.

2025 Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar, full winners list:

The Ally Award: Dannii Minogue - presented by Josh Cavallo

The Comedy Award: Tom Allen - presented by Denise Welch

The Creator's Award, supported by Jaguar: Campbell Addy - presented by Edward Enninful

The Book Award: Luke Evans - presented by Katherine Jenkins

The Music Icon Award, supported by Virgin Atlantic: Scissor Sisters - presented by Mawaan Rizwan

The Inspiration Award: The Williams Family (in memory of The Vivienne) - presented by H and Jayde Adams

The Icon Award: Gok Wan - presented by David Ames

The Style Award: Dominic Skinner - presented by Val Garland

The Drag Award: Tiara Skye - presented by Lily Newmark and Corinna Brown

The TV Award: What It Feels Like for a Girl - presented by Max Parker

The Honorary Gay Award, supported by Jaguar: Elizabeth Hurley - presented by Anna Richardson

The Man of the Year Award, supported by Virgin Atlantic: Russell Tovey - presented by Russell T Davies