Make a Difference awards honour local heroes

A volunteer who has spent 65 years supporting young people and a boy who funds support bears for children affected by cancer are among those recognised for their outstanding contribution to local communities.

The BBC Radio Newcastle Make a Difference Awards heard inspiring stories from those who went above and beyond to make life better for others.

Winners were selected by a panel of local judges, including Hairy Biker Si King, Look North's Carol Malia, Newcastle United legend John Anderson and Sunderland AFC icon Gary Bennett, from hundreds of nominations.

The awards were presented by BBC Radio Newcastle's Matt Bailey and Anna Foster at a ceremony at Newcastle Racecourse on Sunday.

The 2026 award categories and winners are as follows:

• The Volunteer Award – Ray Knox
•  The Young Hero Award – Bailey Wilson
• The Great Neighbour Award – Nick Springfield
• The Active Award – Stephen France
•  The Animal Award – Bailey the Dog
• The Environmental Award – Wild Intrigue
•  The Fundraiser Award – Malcolm Rolling
• The Community Group Award – Project Santa

Judge Si King said Knox had "dedicated an incredible 65 years to supporting young families and young people in Sunderland".

The nomination read: "Ray first walked through the doors of Grindon Young People's Centre in 1961 when he was just 11, looking for a game of football.

"Now at 76-years-old, Ray's journey has grown from enthusiastic young member, to youth leader and for the past 30 years, chairman."

Knox said he was "absolutely over the moon, very humbled".

Bailey was aged six when his dad underwent surgery for a brain tumour, his nomination read.

He was given a support bear to support him through the difficult time and now, four years later, Bailey has raised almost £6,000 to fund support bears to give free to children across the North East affected by cancer.

Each bear is adapted with the same surgical wounds to mirror their loved one's journey, the nomination said.

"I want to try and get worldwide so my bears go out to different hospitals across the world to help people," Bailey said.

Judge John Anderson said he chose Bailey "because of all the hard work that he's put in".

Judge Vikas Kumar said he chose Springfield "because in a small rural village in Northumberland, during the dark winter months, he and his team of volunteers provide warm soup, food, a chat, rolls and cakes to anyone".

These sessions offer people the chance to catch up, engage with neighbours who may feel isolated and have difficulty getting out in winter, the nomination added.

Springfield said he was "a bit embarrassed to be nominated in the first place... but I'm a winner and it's completely blown my mind really".

"I absolutely wasn't expecting it, because at the end of the day, I like to say I make soup."

"What makes Steven different is he works with young people living in communities where violence, crime and serious organised crime are dangers, especially on housing estates where hopelessness feels normal," the nomination read.

Through the group Positive Steps, France uses martial arts to give young people structure, belief and something to fight for in Sunderland, it added.

France founded the initiative in honour of his dad who took his own life.

Judge Gary Bennett chose France for the "work and dedication he has put into changing young people's lives", while France said he was "ecstatic" and the recognition meant "everything".

"Labrador retriever Bailey has been trained as a potential lifesaver for owner, ex-soldier Stephen Baker, by the Support Dogs charity to help if Stephen has a mini stroke, which could prove fatal," the nomination read.

Bailey has been trained to give an alert bark if Stephen falls or needs help and helps in daily tasks, such as getting clothes out for him, the nomination added.

The nomination said Bailey has helped to rescue another dog who was stuck on an island and alerted a family member who had gone into hypoglycaemic shock and had not realised.

Judge Chris Fletcher said Bailey was "truly a worthy winner" while Baker said it was "absolutely fantastic" to see his canine recognised.

Heather and Cain, from Wild Intrigue, have made a "significant contribution to the protection and preservation of urban green spaces and associated biodiversity," judge John Turnbull said.

Wild Intrigue are a not-for-profit whose mission is to inspire and educate people in nature and rewilding, especially those in urban areas such as Newcastle and Gateshead, the nomination read.

"Even if you think what you're doing is quite small, it's really not... because if you give someone shiny eyed excitement in the day for seeing a beneficial thing you've done in your neighbourhood, that's wonderful and that's enough," the pair said.

They said being at an awards ceremony was "unusual", but "so lovely just seeing all the people and the animals that are making wonderful things happen".

Malcom Rolling, 84, makes traditional sledges with personalised and unique names and provides materials and labour by hand crafting, with the proceeds of the sales going to St Cuthbert's Care in Newcastle.

He "stands in his shed in all weathers in his shorts doing his work" and "won't take donations for materials, adding he's happy to provide out of his own money", the nomination read.

Rolling, whose wife was cared for by St Cuthbert's Care until her passing, said after being celebrated with the award, he didn't want to cry, but I did".

Judge Carol Malia said: "I chose Malcolm because he sort of made me want to be his neighbour... it sounds amazing what he does."

For the past 15 years, Project Santa brings communities together to "make sure no child feels forgotten at Christmas" by working with schools and organisations to identify families facing hardship, the nomination read.

"It just screams volumes that the work that we do is not unseen, and today has just been a great example of what we do and how it is being recognised," the group said, adding all they wanted was to "put a smile on children's faces".

Judge Lee Ridley said: "The reason I chose this group is because they show just how powerful a community can be when people come together to help others.

"Their kindness, commitment and community spirit have made a genuine difference to thousands of people, and that's exactly what this award is all about," he added.

Dan Thorpe, executive editor at BBC Radio Newcastle, said the awards were about celebrating "amazing work".

Head of audio commissioning Chris Burns said the calibre of nominations had been "exceptional", adding: "We've been deeply moved by the many stories of compassion, resilience and community spirit."

Follow BBC Newcastle on X,Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram and listen to Radio Newcastle on BBC Sounds.