Good Deeds Get Their Moment in the Spotlight at Make a Difference Awards

The Make a Difference Awards have recognised local people and organisations across Berkshire for their efforts to support their communities, charities, the environment and people in need. Hosted by BBC Radio Berkshire, the awards featured eight categories celebrating individuals and groups involved in community focused work. Among the winners was eight year old Hudson from Reading, who raised £1,125 for Epilepsy Action after being diagnosed with epilepsy. Eight Year Old Fundraiser Takes Young Hero Award Hudson raised nearly 10 times his original £150 target by walking 150km (93.2 miles) throughout February. His epilepsy diagnosis followed a 17 minute seizure that resulted in two days in hospital last year. His mother, Annie, said the experience had been frightening, but Hudson had responded by taking on a fundraising challenge. After collecting the Young Hero Award, Hudson is already preparing for another challenge running 150km over the course of a month. Football Club Supporting Men Through Baby Loss The Active Award went to Stephen Kelly, who founded SANDS United Basing stoke after the death of his daughter Amelia Grace in 2020. The football club, which works alongside the SANDS charity, provides a support network for more than 50 men who have experienced the loss of a baby. Nominators praised Kelly commitment to creating a low pressure environment where men can meet others, remember their children and share their experiences. Volunteers and Horses Recognised for Disability Support The Animal Award was presented to the volunteers and horses at Wyfold Riding for the Disabled (RDA). Based at Wyfold Court near Henley on Thames, the organisation support people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities, as well as people living with other conditions. Around 90 volunteers help deliver the programme, which aims to improve participants confidence and mobility through interaction with horses. Refugee Homework Club Wins Community Award The Refugee Homework Club, based at The Abbey School in Reading, received the Community Group Award after supporting refugee families for around 15 years. The initiative allows sixth form students to help refugee children with their homework while developing their academic and practical skills. Families from countries including South Sudan, Kosovo, Zimbabwe and Iran have benefited from the programme since it was established by Julia Turkington, the school's former head of English. A representative of the club said the group did not expect thanks, but found the response from participating families deeply rewarding. Nature Nurture Recognised for Environmental Work Reading based charity Nature Nurture won the Environmental Award for its work connecting urban communities with nature. CEO Natalie Ganpatsingh said the organisation had seen significant changes among people who had become involved in its projects. The charity work was praised for combining environmental and educational aims while encouraging communities to engage with nature in an accessible way. Team Charlie Honoured for Supporting Families Team Charlie received the Fundraiser Award for its work supporting children with cancer and their families. The organisation was established in 2022 by Toni Ilsley and her friend Claire Brown in memory of Ilsley son Charlie, who died in 2020 aged 13 after being diagnosed with medulloblastoma. Last year, Team Charlie secured £20,000 in National Lottery funding to purchase a holiday home in the Cotswolds, providing families affected by childhood cancer with an opportunity to spend time away from their usual circumstances. A Neighbour Recognised for Two Decades of Care Debbie Green was named the winner of the Great Neighbour Award. A single parent who has cared for her son with complex needs for more than 20 years, Green was recognised for also finding time to help others in her community. Her nominator highlighted examples including taking people to hospital appointment and providing lifts despite her own demanding responsibilities. Green said she had been pleased to be nominated but had never expected to receive recognition for helping others. Volunteer Award Goes to Homelessness Campaigner Grace Gomez won the Volunteer Award for her long running community work in Reading. Gomez, chair of The Way Ministry, has campaigned for more than a decade on homeless and support for people in need. She is currently campaigning for a night shelter in Reading. She attributed her motivation to her faith and said helping others ultimately came down to showing love and care. Celebrating Community Action The Make a Difference Awards brought together a wide range of local initiatives, from charity fundraising and disability support to environmental projects, refugee education and homeless campaigning. While the awards put individual achievements in the spotlight, the stories behind the winners also highlight the wider network of volunteers, charities, families and community groups working across Berkshire. For Hudson, the awards marked recognition for an extraordinary fundraising effort at just eight year old. For the other recipients, the ceremony offered public recognition for work that often takes place away from the spotlight.