Winners for the BBC Radio Lancashire Make a Difference Awards have been announced.
The awards aim to recognise unsung heroes from across the county, reflecting everything from good neighbours to voluntary work. Ten award winners were announced at the annual ceremony at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
BBC Radio Lancashire’s Breakfast show presenter, Graham Liver, hosted the event. Graham said: “All of the finalists are simply amazing in their own way and I’m so pleased that BBC Radio Lancashire has been able to shine a light on their hard work and give them some of the recognition they deserve.
“Lancashire is a special county and I’m incredibly honoured to be surrounded by hundreds of amazing people.”
Award-winning actor, campaigner and charity patron Julie Hesmondhalgh, was the guest judge for the Carer Award. Julie said: “When BBC Radio Lancashire asked me to judge the Carer Award, I jumped at the chance – I thought ‘that’s right up my street’.
“Every single one of the finalists has overcome incredible personal difficulty to be brilliant carers to their families, partners and children - but have also gone into the wider world and made a massive difference to other people too.”
Burnley’s Jimmy Anderson OBE plays cricket for Lancashire and England and is the country’s all-time top wicket taker. He was the guest judge for the Education Award.
He said: “I’m delighted that BBC Radio Lancashire have asked me to announce the winner in the education category at the Make a Difference Awards.
“The four finalists are all brilliant and show what fantastic people we have working in education in Lancashire.”
Chorley swimmer Anna Hopkin – who won gold at this year’s Tokyo Olympics - was the guest judge for the Young Carer Award.
Anna said: “I’m really excited that BBC Radio Lancashire have asked me to judge a category at the Make a Difference Awards.
“It was a really difficult decision and it was so inspiring to listen to all of the finalists’ stories.”
Five of our winners were from East Lancashire - they were:
The Voluntary Group of the Year Award: Curry on the Street (Nelson)
A multi-faith organisation (main picture) based in Nelson that helps homeless and vulnerable people with hot food and shopping.
The Carer Award: Susan Schofield (Nelson)
Susan cares for her partner, Stephen, who suffered a life-changing stroke 20 years ago. She had to give up work and many other aspects of her work but now manages to find the time to support other carers.
The Young Carer Award: Hasti Jahanghiri (Blackburn)
Hasti and her mum came to Blackburn in 2020 after seeking asylum in the UK. Hasti’s mum suffers from a neurological chronic illness and Hasti is her sole carer.
The Ben Ashworth Award for Fundraising: Freddie Xavi and Hughie Higginson (Whalley and Higham)
A year ago, Hughie went into hospital with aches and pains. He was diagnosed with leukaemia. To support his friend, Freddie decided he would run 1km a day and subsequently raised over £200,000 for Manchester Children’s Hospital where Hughie receives his treatment.
The Pride of Lancashire Award: Laura Nuttall (Barrowford)
Laura was diagnosed with an aggressive form of terminal brain cancer in October 2018, during her first term at university. Since then, whilst receiving treatment, Laura has still found time to volunteer at a number of community groups, raise money for charity and become an ambassador for the Brain Tumour Trust.
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