The BBC has celebrated more than 300 people and groups across the UK in this year’s Make a Difference Awards.
Forty award ceremonies took place throughout September, with all 39 local BBC radio stations in England joining BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle, and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal to recognise remarkable acts of kindness, resilience and community spirit.
Winners included volunteers, community leaders and individuals who have supported others in extraordinary ways. For the first time, 20 animals were also recognised, ranging from birds of prey and a tortoise to mountain rescue and assistance dogs.
Among those honoured was Janet Willoner from Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, who won the Green Award from BBC Radio York after growing and donating more than 4,000 trees from her garden. Shani Stephens from Swansea received the Volunteer Award from BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru for her work at the Ty Fforest Resource Hub, which provides food and essential support to local residents.
In Scotland, Pauline Moriarty was presented with the Fundraiser Award by BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal for her dedication to the charity Beautiful Inside and Out, set up after the loss of her daughter Jenna. The charity now supports those affected by suicide through counselling and therapy.
Support2Gether, a project in Northern Ireland founded by two mothers with lived experience of anxiety and postnatal depression, received the Community Award from BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle. Mountain rescue dog Morag was recognised by BBC Radio Cumbria for her role in helping save stranded walkers and climbers in the Lake District.
Chris Burns, Controller of Local Audio Commissioning, said: “The BBC Make a Difference Awards are a powerful reminder of the compassion and generosity that exists in every corner of the UK. These stories of selflessness and community spirit are truly inspiring.”
Now in their fourth year, the awards continue to highlight the contributions of people and organisations working tirelessly to improve lives and strengthen communities across the UK.
For more information about the awards and this year’s winners, visit bbc.co.uk/makeadifference.
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk