Community heroes celebrated at Make a Difference awards

Winners were celebrated across eight categories at the awards

An army veteran who organises military funerals and a bereaved mother fundraising for defibrillators were some of the winners honoured at an awards ceremony.

The community champions gathered for the BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester's Make a Difference Awards 2024. at West Midlands Safari Park, where their inspiring stories were shared.

Other winners included therapy dog duo Aero and Casper who visit patients and families at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and a couple who have fostered more than 75 children.

The award categories included ones for carers, community groups and environmentalists.

Aero and Casper are therapy dogs who volunteer with their owner Lesley at Worcestershire Royal Hospital

Furry friends Aero and Casper from Therapy Dogs Nationwide were the winners in the animal category for devotion to patients.

The pair brought a sparkle to the eyes of patients at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and brought joy to family members during difficult times, their nomination said.

"The boys deserve it, they do a great job," said owner Lesley Fage.

"I'm just the lead holder."

Rose and Dave Kane's "generosity, kindness and love" is why they deserved to win at this years ceremony

Dave and Rose Kane have looked after hundreds of children for more than 35 years landing them the carer award.

The couple from Kidderminster have fostered over 75 children after being told they were unable to conceive themselves.

Each year they transform a building into a Santa's grotto so children can festive cheer without their carers worrying about the cost.

Winning the carers award made them feel "amazing and shocked".

"I'd just like to say thank you to whoever nominated us, it is absolutely amazing," Mrs Kane said.

The volunteer award was given to 83-year-old former soldier Len Keeling from Worcester.

He supports grieving families of servicemen and women as well as orchestrating military funerals.

Despite committing 32 years to the British Army, Mr Keeling continues his service by travelling around the country to help those who need support.

"I don't know who put me forward for this award, but I'm grateful to see that people really appreciate the things that we do," said Mr Keeling.

"It's a shock, but it feels fantastic...I'm so grateful."

Margaret Underwood runs a charity that has donated more than 400 defibrillators

The winner of the community award, Margaret Underwood, founded the Charlotte & Craig Saving Hearts Foundation, after she lost three children to a rare heart condition.

The charity has donated more than 400 defibrillators and have been advocating for more across the county in memory of her children.

Ms Underwood's nominator said her determination to help others despite the heartache of loosing three children deserved recognition.

Ms Underwood, from Redditch, also created the charity Carrick's Retreat which offers bereaved families a free holiday.

Shannon Clifford helped a woman in crisis

Shannon Clifford from Evesham was given the bravery award after she stopped a woman from taking her life.

She was not present at the ceremony, but her nominator said they were amazed at how she always put others first.

"Kindness is her greatest trait," they said.

Keep Tenbury Clean and Green Community Group took home the green award for their litter picking work.

The 321-member volunteer group has committed to encouraging people in the Malvern Hills district to care for their community, by helping plant flowers and organise litter picking fundraisers for the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

"I just think it leads by example for the children of Tenbury," said Carol Ludwig, who picked up the award.

"If the adults can do it, the children can do it as well."

Alison Davies organised for the Knife Angel to visit Hereford, in memory of her son

Alison Davies, known as a "great neighbour who's committed to helping and supporting others", took home the great neighbour award.

She organised for the knife angel to visit Hereford in memory of her son Mark who was stabbed to death in 2018. She was able to help fundraise £25,000 for legacy projects, like going into schools to educate young people about knife crime.

"You always have to remember it's not just for me," said Ms Davies.

"A lot of people do things, and I've got a good team of people around me who help."

Charlotte and Richard Sharratt were celebrated for their work fundraising to help babies in the area

Charlotte and Richard Sharratt, winner of the fundraiser award, lost their daughter when she was two weeks old.

Since 2013 they have fundraised to provide necessary medical equipment needed to look after babies across neonatal units in the West Midlands.

The charity has raised about £600k to help wards purchase incubators and ventilators.

"We don't do this for any recognition," said Ms Sharratt.

"We're just a mum and dad, helping keep our daughters' memory alive."

Mr Sharratt added: "We just want to help as many babies and families as possible in the local area."