Animal Award Winner 2025: Emily Bentham

The BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Awards are back for a fifth year!

You can nominate someone in your community who you believe makes a real difference.

Emily Bentham, from Enham Alamein, has run her own animal sanctuary from her back garden since she was 13 and has created a self-funded, mini sanctuary, with purpose-built sheds and aviaries.

Emily won the Animal Award in 2025 (Awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.)

For a full list of categories - and details of how to nominate someone - go to bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where you can also see full Terms and our Privacy Notice.

Nominations are open now and close on the 31st March 2026 at 5pm.

The winners will be announced at our BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Awards ceremony in September.