Local heroes honoured at Make a Difference awards
People who have made a difference in their communities were celebrated at this year's BBC Radio Sheffield Make a Difference Awards, held at Barnsley Civic Theatre. Now in its fifth year, the ceremony recognises unsung local heroes and was hosted by presenters Ellie Colton and Paulette Edwards, highlighting stories of resilience, generosity and community spirit across South Yorkshire.
Among the winners were 13-year-old Thalia from Sheffield, who received the Young Hero Award after raising almost £5,000 for a brain tumour charity while undergoing treatment for her own diagnosis, and Jane Marsh, 70, from Eckington, who won the Great Neighbour Award for cooking Christmas dinner annually for 70 lonely or isolated people. Other honourees included John Drury, part of a football team supporting bereaved fathers, and Lee Roberts, whose guide dog Isha won the Animal Award for helping him navigate daily life after losing his sight.
- BBC Radio Sheffield honoured local unsung heroes at annual awards event
- Teenager Thalia won Young Hero Award for cancer charity fundraising
- Guide dog Isha and dinner-lady Jane Marsh also recognised for their impact
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BBC Radio Sheffield’s Make a Difference Awards recognise people and groups helping others in South Yorkshire. The annual ceremony is part of a wider BBC local radio awards scheme and is now in its fifth year.
The awards cover different kinds of community work, from fundraising and looking out for neighbours to supporting people through bereavement or disability. They draw attention to how local residents, volunteers and assistance animals can affect people’s everyday lives.
BBC Radio Sheffield serves audiences across South Yorkshire, including Sheffield, Barnsley and nearby communities. The awards give local people a way to recognise contributions that may otherwise receive little public attention.