Local heroes celebrated at Make a Difference Awards

Good Neighbour award winner Melody Willers took a Happy Hen to the ceremony on Tuesday

A young carer and the founder of an animal sanctuary were among the winners at an award ceremony celebrating local heroes.

The BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Awards had eight categories and recognised those who love to make life better for others.

More than 10 million people have engaged with Make a Difference across BBC radio stations to date.

Winners for Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight were crowned by a panel of judges.

Happy Hens

Melody and her son Sam have created more than 1,000 fabric hens

Melody Willers, from Denmead, near Portsmouth, picked up the Good Neighbour award for the work she does to put a smile on the face of people in her area.

In 2021 she began sewing "Happy Hens", which she left around the village to cheer people up at a time when Covid was making life difficult.

"I have always loved chickens with a passion and I love sewing, I'm no seamstress just a hobby sewer," she said.

Her son Sam who suffered a brain injury has helped her with the project and the pair have to date created more than 1,000 of the fabric birds.

Ms Willers said she was shocked to even be nominated, adding that she does not do this "for pats on the back".

'What I love to do'

Kimberley Purkis (right) said "nothing compares" to helping people swim for the first time

There was an Active award for the creator of a charity that helps people with feeding tubes and long-term intravenous treatments to take part in activities to which they would not normally have access.

Kimberley Purkis, from Romsey, set up Face Everything And Rise (FEAR) after she was diagnosed with intestinal failure in 2015.

She is intravenously fed seven days a week and she said she wanted everyone in a similar situation to her to know that "they can still live a fulfilled, exciting and happy life".

"My motivation comes from the smiles I see at the events. The fun I see people having and from seeing friendships build. Enabling people to swim for the first time ever - nothing compares to that," Ms Purkis said.

"It's just what I do, what I love to do and what I will continue to do."

Young carer and young hero

Emberly Heppenstall was honoured at Tuesday's ceremony

A young hero from Bournemouth was honoured for her selfless efforts caring for her mum.

Emberly Heppenstall's mother, who has a congenital heart problem, fell five years ago and suffered a debilitating head injury and stroke.

The 10-year-old helps her daily with tasks like taking medication, cooking, cleaning and looking after their pets.

She has even taken it upon herself to help other young carers by taking part in cycling, swimming and hiking events to raise £2,000 for the charity Mytime Young Carers.

'Passion for wildlife'

Ms Bentham has run her own animal sanctuary for six years

Emily Bentham, 19, says she has had a "passion for wildlife" throughout her life and since the age of 13 she has run her own animal sanctuary from the back garden of her mum's house in Enham Alamein, near Andover.

The autistic teen, who has anxiety, was given a Make a Difference award for her efforts caring for sick, injured and orphaned animals.

"I love knowing that I've inspired other people - in particular young people - to want to help our local wildlife," she said.

She added: "I am also autistic so I like being able to show people that you can still make a big impact despite having a disability."

Ms Bentham also works at April's Farm, a local small holding that gives disabled adults and children the chance to interact with animals.

Make a Difference award winners 2025

Volunteer

• Karen Hamilton

Community Group

• Enable Ability

Fundraiser

• Caroline Mousdale

Great Neighbour

• Melody Willers

Young Hero

• Emberly Heppenstall

Green

• Friends of Bartley Park

Animal

• Emily Bentham

Active

• Kimberley Purkis