Local heroes honoured at Make a Difference Awards

BBC Radio Newcastle presenters Matt Bailey and Anna Foster with the award winners

A teenager who creates gift boxes for grieving children and a cafe tackling food waste were among the community heroes being celebrated by the BBC.

Eight awards were presented at BBC Radio Newcastle's annual Make a Difference Awards at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead on Sunday.

Judges included St Oswald's Hospice CEO Steph Edusei, BBC sport Presenter Steve Cram and singer Joe McElderry.

The awards recognise local heroes helping people affected by issues such as the cost-of-living crisis.

Dan Thorpe, executive editor at BBC Radio Newcastle, said: "It’s such an honour for everyone at BBC Radio Newcastle to celebrate the incredible achievements of these local heroes.

"Our presenters Matt Bailey and Anna Foster tell the stories of inspiring people from across the North East every morning on the radio and so it seems fitting to celebrate the very best of them."

More than 10 million people been involved in Make a Difference across BBC radio stations.

A record number of entries and nominations were received for the eight categories, which included the new animal award.

Brian Burnie has volunteered for 12 years at Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care

Brian Burnie - Volunteer Award

Brian Burnie has volunteered for 12 years with Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care.

The charity's 400 volunteers help transport patients to and from hospital but Mr Burnie's "enthusiasm and dedication" has been credited for the organisation's success.

His nomination said: "Aside from the money that he has put into the charity, he has given his life to making the journey through cancer treatment so much easier for so many people.

"Brian is retiring this year at the age of 80. The charity will continue when Brian retires, but he will be missed by everyone."

Vivien Watts has provided food and supplies to more than 50,000 people

Vivien Watts - Fundraiser Award

Vivien Watts has dedicated her time to Hope 4 Kidz and has supported more than 50,000 people during the last seven years.

During the Coronavirus pandemic she ensured those in need received food and gifts and collected chocolate eggs for 1,700 children during an Easter appeal.

Her nomination said: "It's her life blood, she lives and breathes the charity to ensure it can give those who ask for help, support."

Leia Easby's younger brother died when she was 14 years old

Leia Easby - Community Award

Leia Easby began helping children who have experienced the loss of a sibling after her brother, Thomas, died when he was 11 years old.

After leaving the hospital, her parents were given a memory box dedicated to their son but Leia, who was 14 at the time, did not receive anything.

Ms Easby makes gift boxes for grieving children which contain a journal, a book about bereavement and a ragdoll.

Olive Watson - Carer Award

Olive Watson has been helping those in need for more than 40 years.

She cares for a 30-year-old man with autism and, recently took up the role of caring for a young boy who also has autism.

Her nomination said: "Olive's brilliant sense of humour makes light of what is total commitment to those in need."

Sharon Clark is known as the "mother of her local village"

Sharon Clark - Great Neighbour Award

Known as "the mother of the village" Sharon Clark goes out of her way to make those in her area welcome.

She offers her neighbours a "supportive and listening ear" and often invites people to her home to share her cooking and baking.

Her nomination said she is able to "foster a sense of belonging among newcomers".

"She goes above and beyond to integrate them into our village community, offering help and advice and introducing them to new friends, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued."

Layla Dudding spends her time raising money for charities that support those with heart conditions

Layla Dudding - Bravery Award

Layla Dudding was born with half a working heart and has under gone three open heart surgeries.

Her condition is now classed as palliative but Layla still spends her spare time raising funds for charities which support children with congenital heart disease.

Over the past three years she has raised £5,000 for local organisations, including the Red Sky Foundation, which supplies defibrillators and Little Hearts Matters.

The Magic Hat Cafe makes meals from food waste in Newcastle

The Magic Hat Cafe - Green Award

The Magic Hat Cafe in Newcastle creates all of its dishes from two tonnes of food waste from around the city each week.

The cafe also runs suppers with the aim of educating people on how to tackle food waste.

Loki provides love and strength to her owner Ryoo

Loki - Animal Award

Loki is Ryoo Hooley’s "disabled service dog and best friend".

Ryoo has complex medical needs and mental health issues but Loki's support gives her strength.

Her mum, Eve, who nominated Loki, said: "Ryoo wouldn't be a live today if not for Loki.

"He goes everywhere with Ryoo and not only supports her but gives her love."