BBC award encouraged others to help, says winner

Margo Evans, who lives in Kingston Bagpuize in Oxfordshire, is a winner of the Great Neighbour category at the BBC Radio Oxford Make a Difference Awards.

She began checking on her 92-year-old neighbour when he was feeling isolated during the Covid lockdowns and takes another neighbour in Hinton Waldrist to a community club and their hairdressers every week.

Evans said it was "nice to be thanked" after winning in 2025 and is encouraging others to submit nominations for this year's awards.

The former primary school teacher described the awards ceremony, which was held in September, as an "incredible evening" with an "amazing atmosphere".

Evans said when she heard she had been shortlisted for the award she felt "slightly embarrassed" because she believed lots of other people in the village did "just as much" as her.

"I didn't expect to win but it was lovely," she said.

"It was very humbling and I met some incredible people, and I have to say winners of two different categories did bring a tear to my eye."

Evans said the recognition has highlighted that there are more people in the village that need support and has resulted in a man who is newly retired offering his help.

"He is helping by taking people, elderly people mainly, that need to get to the local doctor's surgery or to appointments, and going on the bus is just hard work for them with mobility issues," she said.

Hollie, who raises money for the Silver Star Maternity Fund with her team of family and friends, won the fundraiser award in 2025.

The funds help to pay for specialised equipment and treatments for families who need additional help and support with high-risk pregnancies.

The team holds a weekly market stall in Bicester and participates in fun days, fetes, carnivals and other events to raise money.

She started fundraising for the cause after she benefited from its support during her own complicated pregnancy.

Hollie said winning the award has made an "incredible difference" and has helped raise the team's profile.

Reuben, Hollie's son, said: "It felt amazing being up there on the stage and also having the award in our hands.

"But it's not because of the award I'm happy, it's raising money for Silver Star that really means a lot to me.

"Having the award is great but raising money and helping mums in pregnancy and lots of different things is just amazing really."

Hollie is urging people to submit nominations for this year's awards: "If there's anything that's close to your heart or that's touched you or touched a friend or anything like this, having a nomination can just give you a real boost, a great energy, a great feeling, and it's just all part of community."

Meanwhile, Evans said she has two people in mind who "go above and beyond" that she would like to nominate in two different categories for this year's Make a Difference Awards.

She added: "It's lovely for their work to be recognised and also it might just well encourage other people to help out too."

The Make a Difference Awards recognise and celebrate people, across eight different categories, who are going above and beyond to make a difference where they live.

Every BBC Local Radio station will host an awards ceremony in 2026.

The awards are a chance to say "thank you" and show recognition and appreciation for people who love to make life better for others.

Nominations can be made via the BBC Make a Difference website where you can also see full terms and the privacy notice.

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