EIGHT community heroes from across Coventry and Warwickshire have been honoured at this year’s BBC CWR Make a Difference Awards.
For the second year running more than 10,000 local radio listeners from communities across England nominated an individual or organisation from their local area for an award.
This year’s winners were presented with their accolades at the special Make a Difference awards ceremony at hmv Empire hosted by BBC CWR’s Phil Upton on Sunday.
The awards are aimed at shining a light on everyday unsung heroes who go the extra mile for others in their local communities.
From thousands of nominations, a shortlist was drawn up and a judging panel chose the winners.
On the panel was Nativity Director Debbie Isitt, ex-Coronation Street actor Graeme Hawley, BBC Newsround’s Shanequa Paris, Emmerdale star Ash Palmo, singer-songwriter Navin Kundra, Star Wars Director Gareth Edwards, BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova and Neighbours star Karl Kennedy aka Alan Fletcher.
The Volunteer Award went to Dawid Kozlowski who opened the ‘Aid for Ukraine’ charity shop in Leamington and has helped raise over £120,000 in donations to provide essential care for Ukraine, including over 180 tonnes of aid.
Urban Goodies CIC was presented with the Community Group Award – the CIC redistributes surplus food to families across Coventry who lack the skills or cash to do it themselves.
The Fund-raiser Award went to Rugby-based Freddie’s Wish. After losing her 13-month-old son Freddie, Charlotte Jolliffe set up ‘Freddie’s Wish’, a charity that supports bereaved families.
She has raised around £200,000 and has trained more than 1,500 people in first aid.
Adam Evans won the Carer Award – he cared for his mum Jean for up to 30 years until she passed away this year.
His nominator said he ‘sacrificed his whole life and career and future for his mum’.
The Great Neighbour Award went to The Pride of Willenhall Facebook group that looks out for all members of the Willenhall community. The group shares local stories and events to over 13,000 followers.
Its work has proved it is so much more than a Facebook group, hosting important community events and making sure nobody has an empty plate at Christmas.
Naomi Rees-Issitt, from Rugby, won the Bravery Award after raising funds for over 80 defibrillators to be installed across the UK after losing her 18-year-old son Jamie to a cardiac arrest.
The Bicycle Bus was presented with the Green Award. The bus safely collects and drops off children at schools in Leamington, encouraging families to swap their car for a bike.
The Together Award went to Coventry-based Coffee Tots which is a charity that welcomes parents to play with their children in a relaxed and supportive environment, creating a space to learn how to become a parent.
Siobhan Harrison, BBC CWR’s acting executive editor, BBC CWR said there were more than 200 nominations across the region, detailing incredible people who were making a big difference in the lives of others across Coventry and Warwickshire.
“It has been delightful to read through all the entries and then go on to meet the 30 finalists.
“They show that everyday kindness really does make a huge difference.
“It is wonderful to be able to celebrate with them together, and in our eyes every single one is a winner.”
