Local heroes honoured at Make a Difference awards

People who make life better for others in their local communities have had their work honoured at this year's BBC Radio Sheffield Make a Difference Awards.

The awards were set up during the Covid pandemic to recognise and celebrate everyday, unsung heroes, and this year's winners included a Strictly-loving guide dog, a fearsome fundraiser and a festive dinner lady.

The award ceremony, now in its fifth year, took place at at Barnsley Civic Theatre and was hosted by BBC Radio Sheffield's Ellie Colton and Paulette Edwards

Breakfast presenter Ellie said: "Our Make a Difference Awards are such a lovely opportunity to shine a light on so many incredible people and beautiful stories."

Thalia, 13, from Sheffield, who was diagnosed with a highly aggressive brain tumour three years ago, received the Young Hero Award.

Despite bouts of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as having multiple surgeries, she has raised nearly £5,000 for Yorkshire-based OSCAR's Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity, by undertaking physical challenges.

Thalia, took on a 15-mile (24km) walk around Ullswater in the Lake District last year and is about to set off for another charity hike in the Peak District.

Accepting the award, she said: "I'm really happy because since I was diagnosed all I've wanted to do is make a difference and to help people in my position.

"Because although my tumour has been stable for a year now, I'm not out the woods yet and it's still incredibly scary just living on the unknown."

Television and radio presenter Sam Nixon, the judge for the Young Hero Award, said: "What this young person has faced over the past three years is more than most people, let alone a young person, should have to endure.

"A lot of changes happen to a young person from the age of 10 to 13, but this young person has also had to navigate the diagnosis, treatment and uncertainty of a brain tumour.

"The way she has approached this, with such grace, strength and determination, is truly inspiring and deserving of recognition."

Also recognised at the awards was Jane Marsh, from Eckington, who was described by those who nominated her as "the definition of a great neighbour".

The 70-year-old retired youth worker, who has also organised a local running club for adults with special needs, cooks Christmas dinner for 70 lonely or isolated people every year, and has them delivered by a team of festive volunteers.

She also organises the Eckington Santa Truck and has raised more than £4,000 for Ashgate Hospice.

Winning the Great Neighbour Award, she said: "I just can't believe that people have gone to such lengths to put my name forward.

"I feel really special and valued today."

Meanwhile, John Drury, 34, is part of a local football team that supports men who have been affected by the loss of a baby.

Sands United South Yorkshire's players include "dads, uncles, grandads and healthcare professionals, all connected by shared grief".

The Sheffield-based club said through football it provided an understanding environment where men could "talk openly, support one another and process loss without stigma".

After accepting his award, John, who lost a son called Arthur, said: "It gives everyone that safe space to know that the person next to them knows how they're feeling, especially on the hard days.

"Sometimes, it's just a look. It's just knowing you're in the company of someone - and for those 90 minutes you're free."

Lee Roberts, 45, who lost his sight five years ago, said his guide dog Isha, who won the Animal Award, had given him back his "confidence, purpose and joy".

Isha safely guides Lee on to buses, to the supermarket and around the community.

Lee, from Barnsley, said Isha had also helped him realise his new-found love for ballroom dancing and helped him to and from classes each week, becoming his "partner in every sense".

He said: "I'm so proud of her. She's absolutely amazing. She's not put a paw wrong.

"She gets me all over, from one end of Barnsley to the other, through heavy traffic and busy, noisy roads."

Lee said Aisha, who had already been given her "allocated food for the day" would likely "get a couple of little treats later".

• Community Group Award - awarded to a group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within their community: Valley Youth Hub in Gleadless Valley

• Animal Award - an animal that improves the life of an individual or group of people, or a person or group of people working with animals to improve animal welfare: Isha the guide dogand Lee Roberts from Barnsley

• Fundraiser Award - an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause: Sarah Robinson from Doncaster, who has fundraised for cancer charities since 2014 and has raised over £500,000 in total

• Young Hero Award - someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional: Thalia from Sheffield

• Great Neighbour Award - an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness: Jane Marsh from Eckington

• Active Award - an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community: John Drury for Sands United South Yorkshire

• Environmental Award - awarded to an individual or group of people who help to make where they live more environmentally friendly and better for nature: Chesterfield Litter Pickers

• Volunteer Award - an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others: Grace Wood from Eckington

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