Unsung heroes honoured at Make a Difference Awards

A journalist who fled Sierra Leone after speaking out on women's rights and a teacher who saved a pupil's life are among the community heroes honoured by the BBC.

Eight prizes were given out at BBC Radio Tees annual Make a Difference Awards in the Victorian Central Hall, of the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington on Sunday.

Judges included X Factor winner James Arthur, Dragon's Den star Sara Davies and TV presenter Jeff Stelling.

The Make a Difference campaign aims to celebrate unsung heroes in the local community.

Dan Thorpe, editor at BBC Radio Tees said it was "an honour to celebrate the incredible achievements of these local heroes".

To date, more than ten million people have been involved in Make a Difference events across BBC radio stations.

BBC Local said it received a record number of entries and nominations for the categories, including a new animal award for 2024.

It is given to individuals or groups trying to improve animal welfare or an animal that improves lives.

Women's rights campaigner Susan Mansaray, was honoured for setting up Purple Rose which helps to feed and support refugees, asylum seekers and their families.

Rosanne Lightfoot transformed her health through running and went on to set up Swift-tees, a social running group.

The group raises money to buy defibrillators, donates to foodbanks and champions supporting male mental health.

Lynne Watson raised £1m to save the Fishburn Community Centre from demolition creating eight jobs.

The centre has been feeding the community with a meals on wheels service since the Coronavirus pandemic as well as hosting youth clubs and weddings.

Rhiannon Matthews, who works at St Michael's Catholic Academy in Billingham, helped save one of her pupils who suffered a life-threatening bleed on the brain.

She says it was fate that she was in the right place at the right time, but judge Chris Kamara said her actions saved the girl's life.

David Cairns is a first responder in Hartlepool, but also volunteers via the "Good Sam App".

He is called to emergencies at all times of the day in his neighbourhood.

Mr Cairns said the work is his way of giving back to his community after a first responder saved his father's life after a stroke.

Leila Crisp was 16 years old when she spotted a distressed woman in a dangerous situation in Stockton.

Judge James Arthur said she was incredible and saved a life with her care and compassion.

Joe began litter picking in his community when he was 10 years old and has been out every day since.

He is a member of the South Gare Litter Pickers Group and wants to be a council litter picker when he is older.

Kelly Conway started volunteering with Ruby her Cockapoo as a therapy dog after a patient requested a visit.

They go to wards to visit elderly people who are isolated or missing their pets and to wards with patients with mental health issues who want to cuddle Ruby.

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