Local heroes celebrated at Make A Difference awards

The winners of the 2025 Make A Difference Awards

A former prisoner, a swim club and a therapy dog are among this year's Make A Difference award winners for Devon.

The awards, which are in their fourth year, aim to celebrate individuals and organisations that go above and beyond in communities across the county.

The afternoon of celebration took place at Woodbury Park hotel in Exeter on Thursday.

A total of 32 finalists were chosen across eight categories, with new award categories - active and young hero - added for 2025.

Jade Allen won this year's fundraiser award

Abigail Daly, from Plymouth, is a student who supports other students with learning disabilities.

She won the Great Neighbour award which recognises individuals who help to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work.

The fundraiser award is presented to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.

The winner of that category was Jade Allen who raised funds to enable her sister to have treatment for a rare brain tumour.

She raised £63,000 for treatment costs, through cake sales, car boot sales, raffles and quizzes.

Irene Wills, who collected the award said she hoped all club members would be pleased with the win

One of the two new categories for this year was the Active award, awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.

Plymouth Pisces Swimming Club in Plymouth was crowned winners for this category for enabling disabled people to enjoy swimming.

Irene Wills, who collected the award, said she hoped all club members would be pleased with the win.

"I know it can sometimes be a lot of effort to get into the pool, but once you're in it's heaven - because you're free."

The club, entering its 40th year, began at the Ballard Pool in 1987 before moving to Plymouth Life Centre.

Derrick Lawson who uses his life experience in and out of prison to help others won the volunteer award

'So uplifting'

The green award recognised those who make where they live a better place by caring for the environment and nature.

Vic Hibbert won that award for his work at the YMCA Plymouth garden supplying fruit and vegetables for a foodbank.

He said the garden was developed by a group of 11 volunteers who grew food from runner beans to tomatoes.

Former prisoner Derrick Lawson won the volunteer award, which recognises individuals who make a notable difference to their community by freely giving their time.

He uses his life experience in and out of prison to help others.

Tessa Webb, a colleague who nominated Derrick and attended the ceremony with him, said she was "blown away" by the experience.

She said: "My jaw is aching it was so uplifting, I haven't smiled for that long in one place.

"There are so many people here doing such incredible work and it's all on our doorstep, I'm overcome by it."

She added the award would give Derrick "such a boost" to get something back for all his hard work.

Digby is a therapy dog for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

The animal award is presented to an animal that improves the life of an individual or group of people.

Digby, an Australian labradoodle therapy dog for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, won this year's award.

His owner Matt said he was "delighted and humbled" to be in the company of the other finalists.

"That's the point about Digby, he doesn't recognise what he does, he doesn't realise the contribution that he makes, he just loves people," he said.

The Benita Project in South Molton was crowned the winner of the community award.

The group prides itself on serving meals and offering courses in cookery and budgeting.

Dan, the winner of the young hero award, stands alongside his fellow finalists

Finally, the young hero award, awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community, was presented to Dan, a fundraiser, campaigner and radio presenter from Paignton.

Dan, who has cerebral palsy, said he took part in his fundraising work because he wanted to "give back to people who have helped me in the past".

He said: "I help others by being kind and helping wherever I can, whether that's at my school, outside my school, I just do the best I can.

"I didn't think I'd win, I'm very proud of myself and I will continue to make a difference."