Cumbria's unsung heroes honoured at BBC awards

Eight prizes were handed out to groups and individuals helping people affected by the cost-of-living crisis and other issues

A woman who has walked up England's highest mountain hundreds of times to pick up litter and an autistic support group are among the community heroes honoured by the BBC.

Eight prizes were handed out at BBC Radio Cumbria's annual Make a Difference Awards in Kendal on Saturday.

Judges included Multicultural Cumbria's director Saj Ghafoor, Carlisle United’s owners Jenna and Alice Piatak and Ulverston saxophonist and broadcaster Jess Gillam.

The Make a Difference campaign aims to recognise local heroes helping people affected by the cost-of-living crisis and other issues.

Chris Burns, controller of local audio commissioning, described the accolades as a "humbling experience", adding she felt "privileged that we get to shine a light on these stories".

To date, more than ten million people have got involved in Make a Difference across BBC radio stations.

BBC Local said it received a record number of entries and nominations for the eight categories, including a new animal award for 2024.

It is presented to individuals or groups working to improve animal welfare or an animal that improves the lives.

Each winner was chosen by a special panel of judges from county at a ceremony at Kendal’s Castle Green Hotel.

Eileen Jackson has been a volunteer with Sight Advice in Kendal since 1992

Eileen Jackson - Volunteer Award

Eileen has been a volunteer with Sight Advice in Kendal since 1992, originally getting involved when her son experienced sight loss.

Known as the "Queen of the buckets", she is hugely involved in fundraising.

Her nomination said: “We are proud to have been the beneficiary of such a caring, selfless, dedicated and very giggly woman here at the charity."

Penrith-based Team Autism provides lunch clubs and support for autistic adults without learning disabilities

Team Autism - Community Award

Penrith-based Team Autism provides lunch clubs and support for autistic adults without learning disabilities throughout north and west Cumbria.

It has been described as "a place where we can be ourselves and find respite from the neurotypical world, which is often overwhelming and exhausting.

"There is no need to mask or camouflage."

For about 25 years Geoff Brown and his charitable trust has been raising money

Geoff Brown - Fundraiser Award

For about 25 years Geoff Brown, from Carlisle and his charitable trust has been raising money to help people.

He has also taken children with cancer on holidays of a lifetime as well as deliver Christmas presents to hospitals.

His nomination for the award said: "If there were a few more Geoff Browns, the world would be a better place to be."

Hamish Donohoe, aged 10, was nominated as "a loving carer to his big brother Jack who is severely disabled"

Hamish Donohoe - Carer Award

Hamish, aged 10 from Cockermouth, was nominated as "a loving carer to his big brother Jack who is severely disabled".

Hamish helps his brother Jack and his whole family and his mam Helen said he had "a real depth and kindness way beyond his years".

Margaret Grieve was recognised for being a great neighbour

Margaret Grieve - Great Neighbour Award

Margaret, from the small community of Longpark, north-east of Carlisle, was nominated by her neighbour of 15 years.

Margaret is a church warden and is on the village hall committee.

She also taxis people about, looks after animals and lends tools to anyone in need.

"All in all the small community of Longpark couldn’t wish for a better neighbour", her nomination said.

Eddie Williams continues to coach a ladies football team after suffering two strokes

Eddie Williams - Bravery Award

Eddie, who lives in Warwick Bridge, Carlisle, was taken to hospital in April 2023 after having two strokes and a brain infection.

Though he recovered, he lost 90-95% of his sight.

He said his experience was life-changing and he had to stop working.

However, he eventually went back to coaching a ladies football team after being a coach for years.

His nomination added: "He is an inspiration to all that know him and continues to inspire every day."

Lindsay Buck was presented the green award for her litter-picking efforts in the Lake District

Lindsay Buck - Green Award

Lindsay Buck is also known as the Wasdale Womble.

She has been up and down Scafell Pike hundreds of times picking up litter left on the mountain.

Her nomination said the community was incredibly grateful.

"She is always on hand to offer help, advice and guidance to others on England’s highest mountain too," it added.

Ally Chester won the animal award for volunteering for the RSPCA in Whitehaven

Ally Chester - Animal Award

"Ally is the life, soul and backbone of RSPCA Cumbria West," her nomination said.

As well as volunteering for the RSPCA in Whitehaven, she also finds loving homes for animals and hand-rears cats and kittens at home.

"Ally deserves recognition for her love, work and kindness which definitely makes a difference to those around her and to the animals that pass through her hands and her heart".