BBC Local Radio is marking Christmas with a series of programmes that highlight people who have made a difference in their communities.
Across all thirty nine stations in England, listeners will hear award winners talk with Jon Bon Jovi, Olly Murs and Si King about their work and why it matters.
Jon Bon Jovi spent time with winners including Mark Fielden from Shrewsbury, who was recognised for organising an annual music event in memory of his mum. He told Jon that the festival began as a single fundraising night but has grown into a decade of support for a local breast cancer charity. Jon responded by offering signed records and tickets to help with Mark’s next event.
Olly Murs spoke with several more award recipients, including Sabrina Ffrench, who won the Great Neighbour Award at BBC Radio WM. Sabrina volunteers for multiple charities alongside her work as a staff nurse and thanked her family, friends and colleagues for supporting her. Olly said it was a privilege to hear the stories and spoke about the importance of making a positive difference where possible.
Si King is presenting his own programme, Make a Difference – Feel Good Christmas, where he shares stories of kindness and community during the festive period. He said he wanted to raise a toast to the people who continue to help others all year round.
Chris Burns, Head of Local Audio Commissioning at the BBC, said the celebrations were an opportunity to recognise achievements across the country and share them with audiences at Christmas.
Listeners can follow the full schedule from Monday 1 December at 6am on their local BBC station, including Christmas Eve and Boxing Day specials and a New Year’s Eve review of the year.
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk