BBC BERKSHIRE’s Make A Difference Awards has celebrated community heroes following more than 10,000 nominations.
On Friday, September 15, eight individuals or organisations were recognised for their support and contributions in the community at Reading Town Hall, in one of 38 ceremonies set to take place across the UK.
Bridgitte Tetteh returned to host the event, which aims to shine a light on those who go the extra mile to help others.
This year’s Volunteer Award, which celebrates someone who gives up their own time to help good causes, went to Lin Smeaton for her work with Britwell Recycled Teenagers.
The organisation seeks to stop isolation in the elderly and help their emotional and health needs, as well as providing a place for them to make and meet friends.
The Community Group Award, which celebrates a group who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within the community, was given to SHOC.
The Fundraiser Award, which recognizes an individual or group who has raised funds for a charity or good cause, was given to Nikki Treharne.
Nikki Traherne has continued to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research following the death of her son Ethan in 2021.
The Carer Award, which recognises someone who improves the life of an individual or group of people by caring for them on a regular basis, was given to Tamsin Hudson.
The Great Neighbour Award, which recognises an individual or group of people who help to make the neighbourhood or local community a better place to live or work, was given to the Mad Duck Cafe in Purley-on-Thames
The Bravery Award, which recognises an individual or group of people who has shown outstanding courage, defiance and duty in the face of perceived danger, fear or difficulty, was given to Georgia Carmichael.
Georgia was unable to attend the event, so TV star Lorraine Kelly presented her with her award in hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment.
Martin Woolner was given the Green Award, which recognises an individual or group of people who help to make where we live more environmentally friendly and better for nature.
Raabia Akhter Shehzad was given the Together Award, which recognises an individual or group of people who inspire diverse communities to come together by creating real change, breaking down barriers, and bringing people from different walks of life together.
Duncan McLarty, Editor at BBC Radio Berkshire, said: “The Make a Difference Awards are our highlight of the year.
“We’re able to celebrate the achievements of people who often go unheralded but are so deserving of recognition.
“It’s so inspiring and humbling to meet them and hear their stories.”
Host and presenter Bridgitte Tetteh said after the ceremony: “It’s incredible to have a room full of people who have done amazing things.
“What you really want to do is to give them all some kind of award and recognise what they’re doing.
“But when else can you have an afternoon where you celebrate people doing incredible things?
“So hosting is a privilege for me.”
Alex West, who works with BBC Introducing to bring fresh artists to Berkshire, said: “It’s a massive honour to be able to present an award.
“It really makes you feel part of a community, which is something that’s so important.
“Someone mentioned tonight that you don’t always really know your neighbours, and it can feel that we are quite distant from one another, so it’s great to show that there are some really positive things happening.”
Chris Burns, Controller Local Audio Commissioning said: “The Make a Difference Awards are always an amazing experience, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the individuals who have gone above and beyond to help their communities.
“We always really enjoy hearing the nominees and winners’ stories and sharing them with our listeners.
“A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate someone and a huge congratulations to our winners.”
