Local heroes honoured at Make a Difference Awards

A fancy dress-wearing litter-picker winner and a posthumous award for a "selfless" volunteer were announced at a ceremony to honour people making life better for others.

The BBC Radio Newcastle Make a Difference Awards featured stories of kindness, resilience and dedication at the celebration at Newcastle Racecourse on Sunday.

Winners were announced in eight categories that recognised local heroes helping people affected by issues such as the cost-of-living crisis.

Judges included Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby, actress Jill Halfpenny, comedian Lee Ridley and broadcaster Carol Malia.

• Make a Difference: Newcastle

Irene Sim "works tirelessly to fundraise for cancer charity FACT, using her own home and garage to provide an easy collection point for the local community", her nomination read.

"She never stops and uses all her energy and passion to find new ways to create prizes, find ways to raise funds or support events."

Irene's efforts included hosting events, family birthdays asking for donations and running pop-up shops.

Ashley Timms has a "heart of gold" and is "really kind and considerate", her nomination for the Great Neighbour Award said.

The person who put Ashley forward said she had helped them through "some really dark times" and cooked them dinners.

"She does a lot for other people" and makes those around her "feel welcome".

Fifteen-year-old Amelia Foulkes-Jones is always thinking about who she can help and of new ways to raise money to support causes, her nomination read.

She helps at a food bank and is an ambassador for 4Louis, a Sunderland-based charity which supports families affected by miscarriage and child loss.

Amelia has also collected hygiene products for nearby schools and raises funds for gifts for her local care home at Christmas.

The family of the Animal Award winner Lynne Ebdale collected her award for her as she is in hospital.

Lynne Ebdale is the founder of Pawz for Thought Rescue in Sunderland which rescues and rehabilitates animals across the North East.

Lynne does not take a salary and never leaves or takes holidays, her nomination read.

"Lynne inspires so many people to get involved sharing her knowledge and works tirelessly," the nomination read.

"The number of animals that she has saved over the years both wildlife and companion pets is immeasurable," it continued.

Rebecca Swindells, known as Becky, leads the group Keep Washington Tidy.

She volunteers daily and "is out whatever the weather collecting rubbish and reporting fly tipping in the local area".

"There isn't a day Becky isn't out collecting rubbish to help keep the local area tidy and litter free and encourages others to do the same," her nomination read.

It also said she "loves to keep litter-picking fun" and sometimes heads out in fancy dress and often does school visits.

Janine Turnbull passed away in August. Her friends accepted the award on her behalf.

"In October 2024 we received the devastating news that Janine, 44, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease."

Since the pandemic she had given up her time to help source and provide food, clothing, school uniform and household items to those most in need.

Janine managed a community centre, helped Ukrainian families feel welcome and ran Christmas appeals to provide gift bags and dinners.

She was described as the "beating heart of the community on our estate" who was "funny, kind, humble, generous and selfless".

Frank Bagley from the Legion Boxing Club has voluntarily coached young children from deprived areas and encouraged them to get involved in the sport.

He teaches them respect and team building, keeping them off the streets and their phones.

The nomination read: "He never asks for anything in return and the kids look up to him".

Last month a fire broke out at Redhouse Working Men's Club, in Sunderland, which was set to become the new home of Legion Community Club's gym.

All their equipment was destroyed but Mr Bagley and his wife said they "wouldn't give up".

"This is an amazing team of volunteers," the nomination read.

In April 2020, residents came together to form the Gilesgate and Belmont Wellbeing Project.

The international group of volunteers "cheerfully collect donations from local supermarkets and greengrocers and deliver six times a week to over 100 households in Gilesgate, Carrville and Belmont".

"With care and friendship they support residents of all ages who struggle due to loneliness, social isolation or poverty," the nomination read.

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