Local heroes in Make a Difference Awards final

26 August 2024

Curtis LancasterBBC News

News image — Natasha Hunt (left) who survived leukaemia has helped others living with cancer

BBC An old photo of Natasha Hunt who had treatment for leukaemia and is alongside a nurse — Natasha Hunt (left) who survived leukaemia has helped others living with cancer

A prolific litter picker and a selfless cancer survivor are among the finalists for an award ceremony which celebrates local heroes.

BBC Radio Solent's Make a Difference Awards has eight categories, recognising those who love to make life better for others.

To date, over 10 million people have got involved in Make a Difference across BBC radio stations.

Winners for Solent will be selected by a panel of judges and will be crowned at a special event at the in Southampton on 24 September.

'Devoted her life to helping others'

Natasha Hunt wearing a purple dress stood in a restaurant — Natasha Hunt set up a charity to support people with cancer

Natasha Hunt from Wimborne, Dorset was nominated for the bravery award by her mother.

She said her daughter, who set up the cancer support charity Leukaemia Educating And Fundraising (LEAF), "has devoted her life to helping others".

Ms Hunt set up the organisation 18 years ago after she was diagnosed with Leukaemia and wanted to support people in a similar situation.

LEAF provides emotional support and practical care for people with cancer, and assists with things like hospital visits, counselling, transport, food shopping and pet care.

Ability Dogs 4 Young People

Assistance dogs give children with physical and learning disabilities "a step forward in life" said Carol Court who founded Ability Dogs 4 Young People on the Isle of Wight.

The charity which she formed in 2012 trains dogs to help young people on the island.

She said her nomination for a Make a Difference award was "fantastic" but that the volunteers deserve credit for the work they do "out of the goodness of their hearts".

"Without that team, this charity couldn't operate." said Ms Court.

Drop In Beach Cleans

Dominik Reynolds stood on a beach holding a bin back in his hand and a stick used for picking up the litter — Dominik Reynolds from Southampton has been cleaning beaches for over six years

Dominik Reynolds has been nominated for a green award after he started organising Drop In Beach Cleans in 2018, when he was 17 years old.

Since then the eco-warrior estimates his team of volunteers has collected 1200 kg of litter from Goatee Beach in Southampton.

He said he does not do litter picking for praise but admitted it is "amazing" to be recognised for doing something he enjoys.

"It's really lovely for people to see that we're doing a good thing here." Mr Reynolds said.

The power of wheelchair basketball

Pete Bull, a wheelchair user who is sat on an indoor basketball court — Mr Bull said he felt proud to receive the nomination

Pete Bull's work with Enable Ability's Wheelchair Basketball (WCBB) service has spanned more than two decades.

The Bishopstoke based volunteer has coached and helped to educate others on the sport.

He has been nominated for the Make a Difference award in recognition of his commitment to the charity.

Mr Bull said he felt proud to receive the nomination and while speaking from a training session in Portsmouth he said: "It's nice that people feel like I'm giving something to the people who come here."