Award-winning dog 'made me visible in society'

A support dog with terminal cancer who was nominated for a BBC Radio London Make a Difference Award but who sadly died before the awards ceremony has been named as one of eight winners.

Kingston the labrador, who was matched with Jax Kennedy after a vicious attack left her with life-changing injuries while working as a Metropolitan Police officer, won the Animal Award.

Speaking after Kingston’s death, Jax said animals had the power to be "empathetic, compassionate, loving and true natural healers", adding: "Kingston made me visible in a society which made me invisible."

Winners in eight categories were revealed from hundreds of nominees at the Radio Theatre at Broadcasting House on Wednesday.

Jax added Kingston, who was the grandson of Downton Abbey's Isis, was "one in a million, I miss him".

"The joy he put in my heart. He gave me that gift of independence. I still go out and have his lead on my chair.

"This is better than winning the National Lottery," she added.

Bravery Award: Funke Oham

The founder of Always A Mum set up The Waiting Room, a group to support people with infertility and baby loss following her own experience of losing Isaac in 2006 and Faith in 2007.

She said: "My whole world shattered and I had to pick up the pieces and try again.

"I've supported hundreds of women on this journey, it's not an easy road.

"It's something I've poured my life into. This award means so much to me.

"It's dedicated to every women in every family who has walked this road: they are not alone and I am here to support them on this journey."

Funke has subsequently had two boys, who are now teenagers.

Carer Award: Fatma Makalo

Fatma Makalo dedicated her award to her team and family

Fatma Makalo is the manager of Bridgeside Lodge, a specialist care and nursing home in Islington, north London, which has just obtained a third consecutive "outstanding" rating from Ofsted.

She said: "I want to say thank you to everybody: the team that I work with and I dedicate this to them, my family and everyone who is part of this success. This is the team, not me.

"2023 was a very hard time: in March, my youngest sister died suddenly aged 38 leaving three kids and I struggled with her loss and death - the team, colleagues understood the struggle."

Great Neighbour Award: Cheryl Spruce

Cheryl Spruce holding her award

Nominated for her work with Greenwich Neighbourhood Watch in south-east London, Cheryl is a well-known figure in the area and is described as a fantastic wife, mother and friend.

She said: “I wasn’t expecting to win. I’m just so amazed that people nominated me and that I can walk tall with my fellow volunteers.

"I just wanted to dedicate this award to my father who passed away at the beginning of this month.”

Green Award: Acton Market Reduce and Recycle Hub

“We’re always trying to inspire people,” Mary said after accepting the award on behalf of a group of people who help to make part of the capital more environmentally friendly and better for nature.

Whatever the weather, this monthly event tackles waste reduction by encouraging residents to extend the lifespan of existing items, including small electricals, and avoid unnecessary purchases.

The Make a Difference Award winners 2024

The Community Award was won by Benedicta Olagunju, a qualified social worker, who started Mothers Connect, an environment for mothers to come together and access valuable resources and support.

The Fundraiser Award was won by Sharon Czapnik Down, who started fundraising while recovering from cancer by setting up The Big Choir, which has more than 200 members and has raised £280,000.

She said: "I just love them all and it does make me feel great. It makes my life so much better than it was before."

The Volunteer Award was won by Sanda Eglite who set up a charity to support Albanian children in Hampton in south-west London.

Nominated by attendees of her club, who describe it as "life changing", she came onstage with her daughter - her inspiration for the charity - and declared: "I’m speechless".

The BBC Make a Difference Awards are your chance to say "thank you" and show recognition and appreciation for people who love to make life better for others.

There are eight categories and winners are selected by a panel of judges. Awards are given in each category, across each local BBC radio station.

You can listen to a special programme dedicated to the winners of the Make a Difference Awards at 19:00 on Friday on BBC Radio London or listen back on BBC Sounds shortly thereafter.