Young carer's confidence 'skyrocketed' after BBC win

Emberly, an 11-year-old carer for her mum, Jen, won Young Hero at the BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Awards 2025 in recognition of her fundraising, as well as her work as a young carer.

Emberly, from Poole, Dorset, has been looking after her mum since she fell six years ago, resulting in a debilitating head injury and stroke.

Since then, as well as helping around the house, she has been dancing, swimming and cycling to fundraise for Dorset charity My Time Young carers, which supports young carers across the UK.

Jen said as well as the recognition, the award had helped her daughter: "I would just say seeing Emberly, the confidence that she had from winning the award - even being nominated - her confidence just skyrocketed straight away."

Emberly said she was "really shocked" to win the award, but that it made her feel "really happy".

Jen added: "I was so excited for her, it's just so nice for her to be recognised for everything that she does - not only all the fundraising and the awareness that she brings for [the charity], but she's just a superstar around the house.

"There's nothing you could ask her to do that she would say no to."

Emberly is already planning her next fundraising project - a four-hour skipping marathon.

Leo from Bournemouth, Dorset, was nominated for the Young Hero award last year.

The nine-year-old, who is blind in his right eye and has cataracts in his left eye, set up a visually-impaired football team called "Vision Warriors" after being inspired by his own experience.

He was put forward for the award by the club.

Leo said it was "exciting" to have been nominated and described the awards ceremony as "really cool".

Leo's mum and team secretary, Sam Mosley, said the award nomination has boosted his confidence: "The award has made him realise that he can be this spokesperson for other people living with visual impairments and it's just lovely to see him putting himself outside of his comfort zone because he knows it will benefit other people."

Sam is encouraging others to submit nominations for this year's awards.

"Being part of something that is positive, attending the awards itself, it was such an amazing buzz," she said.

"There was such a feeling, such inspiring people all in one room and to be a part of something like that for Leo and for us around him was a great feeling and I would say just give it a go, you've got nothing to lose and it's such a positive place to be."

Emberly said that people should consider the time and dedication that goes into people's work when considering who to nominate this year: "I would say just look at all the hard work they have to do and how much they have to do extra than their peers and friends."

And Jen agreed: "Imagine what they do on top of their everyday lives, on top of their chores and school and whatever they do.

"There's an extra part to what they achieve and how they help."

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.