The BBC Make a Difference Awards have officially kicked off across the UK this year. This annual event aims to acknowledge and honor individuals who contribute to improving the lives of others in their community. While previously limited to BBC local radio stations in England, this year marks the first time the awards will cover the entire UK, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Winners will be revealed during ceremonies hosted by BBC local and national radio stations in September.
One of the notable winners from last year was Jim Dyne, a co-founder of the Parky Blinders project, which received a community group award for its efforts in assisting people with Parkinson’s disease maintain an active lifestyle through boxing workouts. According to Jim, winning the Make a Difference Award has helped attract more participants to their cause. In partnership with England boxing and Parkinson’s UK, they have expanded their reach by providing training in boxing clubs nationwide aimed at assisting coaches in working with individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. Plans are underway to register as a community interest company to offer more sessions and introduce additional sports activities.
In another heartwarming story, Jay Popat was recognized with the great neighbor award at BBC Radio Leicester’s Make a Difference Awards last year for his heroic act of administering CPR in an attempt to save a young boy’s life. This recognition inspired him to embark on an inclusive sports program and plant a tree in the National Forest in memory of the young boy he tried to save. Through his efforts, the inclusive sports program has organized a wheelchair basketball competition for primary schools in Leicestershire, with plans underway to introduce a wheelchair rugby league.
Similarly, Shyla Brown, a ten-year-old fundraiser, was acknowledged at BBC Radio Cambridgeshire’s Make a Difference Awards last year for completing a marathon and a 100-mile cycle ride to raise funds for her friend Harrison, who was experiencing vision loss. Her award not only led to exciting experiences like attending the Princess of Wales’ carol concert at Christmas but also provided the opportunity to engage with celebrities like Perrie Edwards from Little Mix. Shyla expressed her delight at winning the award and recounted the memorable moments and interactions that followed.
This year’s Make a Difference Awards feature various categories, including the Volunteer Award, Young Hero Award, Great Neighbour Award, Active Award, Animal Award, Green Award, Fundraiser Award, and the Community Group Award. Individuals or groups who have made a remarkable impact on their communities through volunteering, sports, environmental conservation, fundraising, or other initiatives are encouraged to nominate themselves or others for these prestigious awards. Rhodri Talfan Davies, the BBC’s Director of Nations, expressed excitement about celebrating community heroes from all across the UK and looks forward to hearing the remarkable stories of the nominees. Nominations are open until March 31st, and more details can be found at bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
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