Northern Ireland finalists announced for BBC Make a Difference Awards

For the first time, BBC Make a Difference Awards are coming to Northern Ireland on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle.

Since February, BBC teams from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been asking audiences to nominate the unsung heroes in their local communities who do amazing things.

Four finalists have been selected by a panel of judges in each of the eight categories ahead of the Northern Ireland final in September.

Amongst the entries are local people aged between 10 to 91. They include inspirational children who don’t let disabilities stop them from doing what they want, community groups who are a lifeline for local people in their areas and the neighbours whose acts of kindness have made a positive impact on those around them.

Championing the Awards in Northern Ireland are BBC Radio Ulster’s Vinny Hurrell and Cate Conway.

Cate said:

“Reading through the stories, speaking to the finalists on the phone and hearing from the nominators has filled us both with a sense of pride. Pride in the finalists and the incredible things they do day in, day out, but also in Northern Ireland and our unique nature of caring.

“We can’t wait to meet the finalists face-to-face and give them all the huge credit they deserve. They are the best of us, and to be part of something so special is really heartwarming and humbling. We are so excited for the final in September.”

Categories and Finalists:

The Volunteer Award

Awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.

• Brendan Rooney, Newcastle.
• Lucy McMullan, Dungannon
• Chris Campbell, Belfast
• Marie O’Brien, Rostrevor

The Young Hero Award

Awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.

• Cody Paul, Magherafelt
• Aiden McDougal, Ballyclare
• Amelie Curran, Londonderry
• Seanain McCallion, Derry

The Great Neighbour Award

Awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work in, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.

• Jacqui Waide, Loughguile
• Trevor Robinson, Ballymena
• Anju Raju, Belfast
• Bridie McCullagh, Rouskey

The Active Award

Awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.

• Jennifer Smyth, Derry
• Peter Dolan, Omagh
• Ann McBrien, Belfast
• Brian Elwood, Dunmurry

The Animal Award

Awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.

• Echo and Digby, Belfast (Medical Alert Dogs)
• Pluto, Lisnaskea (School Assistance Therapy Dog)
• Charlie, Craigantlet (Newtownards Riding for the Disabled Group horse)
• Jackie Petrie, Newtownabbey (Cat Support Group NI)

The Green Award

Awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.

• Aimee Mallon, Derry
• Richard Connor, Coleraine
• Diana McChesney, Enniskillen

The Fundraiser Award

Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.

• Nathan Pierson, Annalong
• Ryan Bogues, Crossgar
• Des Keenan, Cookstown
• Jasmine parker, Belfast

The Community Group Award

Awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.

• Support 2gether, Omagh
• Killeeshil and Galbally Community First Responders, Coalisland
• Hope House Ireland, Islandmagee
• Sound Friends Deaf Children’s Society, Craigavon and Banbridge

The 32 finalists will now go on to the Northern Ireland Make a Difference final when overall winners will be announced live on Vinny and Cate’s BBC Radio Ulster show on Friday 26 September.

For more information, visit the BBC Make a Difference website.

  Read more: Finalists announced for BBC Make a Difference Awards in Wales

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