Local heroes in Make a Difference Awards final

A rescue donkey and a kickboxing world champion are among the finalists for an award ceremony which celebrates local heroes.

The BBC Radio Oxford, 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 Oxfordshire will be selected by a panel of judges and will be crowned at a special event on 11 September.

Oxford based, MuMo Creative, has also been nominated in the community category.

The charity, founded by Roosa Leimu-Brown, uses dance and music to help older people with age-related health conditions.

It aims to help people with Parkinson's and dementia, to improve and maintain their physical and mental health.

"It's the most rewarding thing that I have ever done in my life and every week we can see the transformation of people." Said Ms Leimu-Brown.

She added that she is "honoured" that the charity has been nominated for the Make a Difference award.

Paul Mayhew-Archer, who co-wrote the tv comedy show The Vicar of Dibley, attends the dance classes and nominated the team for the award, said: "We love these classes, not just because exercise helps to keep the Parkinson's at bay, not just because music is the food of love, but because they are fun."

Daisy-Grace Lynch, from Cumnor, is a finalist in the Fundraiser category, in recognition of her efforts to help people with Parkinson's.

The 11-year-old ran 50 miles in 50 days last year for Parkinson's UK and this year she has been swimming the distance of the English Channel over 12 weeks.

The schoolgirl was inspired by her "Grampy" who has lived with the disease for 11 years, and she has managed to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Selfless animals in Oxfordshire have also been nominated for a Make a difference award.

Animals like Norman the donkey from Wantage, who is cared for by Chloe's Mobile Farm.

Norman, who is a rescue donkey, travels to care homes in the county, putting a smile on the faces of residents.

Aislinn Mullee works at one of the homes that Norman visits.

She said: "Norman makes a massive difference to our resident's lives with his presence.

"He truly is a super hero in a fluffy form."

India Mae Thompson, from Witney, was nominated by her father for a Make a Difference award in the community category.

The 21-year-old has been teaching women and young people across West Oxfordshire martial arts and fitness since she was 17.

She said "it is so empowering" to see how people who she trains have changed over time.

Ms Thompson is a former England International and 10 times World Kickboxing Champion.

As a teen, she started running classes for around 80 women a week and held online classes during lockdown.

In 2023 she opened her own gym, which she works at, whilst juggling her university studies and amateur boxing training.

Volunteer

• Angelina Jones
• Nigel Boulter
• Anna Gatrell
• James Clarke

Community

• Steve James / The Cornermen
• India Mae Thompson
• MuMo creative
• Mahmut Gunaydin

Fundraiser

• Mikayla Beames
• Carol Richards
• Daisy-Grace Lynch
• Richard Brailsford and the MND Army

Carer

• Richard Wicks
• Leo Shortland
• The Julie Richardson Nursing Home
• Christine Headford

Great Neighbour

• John Lindquist
• Steve and Elaine Parsons
• Susan Holden

Bravery

• Samantha Cowley
• Tim Davies
• Freddie Clayton

Green

• Bicester Green Gym
• Bicester litter pickers
• Jill Hall
• Janet from South Leigh

Animal

• Sprout The Buddy Dog
• Maxi the school dog
• Heros
• Norman the donkey

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