Awards recognise community champions' successes

The awards ceremony took place at Sheffield City Hall on Friday

South Yorkshire’s local heroes have been awarded for their work in the community at this year's BBC Sheffield Make a Difference Awards.

Winners included Joan Pons Laplana, a healthcare worker who became a surrogate brother for an intensive care patient during the Covid lockdowns, and Dan Faulkner, a dad who has raised almost £200,000 for Sheffield Children's Hospital after the death of his son.

The ceremony, at Sheffield City Hall, was hosted by BBC Radio Sheffield's Paulette Edwards and judges included comedian Jon Richardson and CBBC vet Cat Henstridge.

Giving the Carer Award to Mr Pons Laplana, judge and disability advocate Dee Smith said his story had “really struck a chord”.

“People like this, wonderful people, kept the world going. They deserve so much more than an award,” Ms Smith said.

Joan Pons Laplana won the Carer Award

Nominating Mr Laplana for his work at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, his former patient Graham Rodgers said despite meeting in “terrible circumstances” they had now become friends.

“As I could not have visitors, my brother Alan regularly called to see how I was. Joan assured him he would be my brother in his place and take good care of me."

Mr Rodgers, who was a musician, said Mr Laplana played music to him while he was in a coma.

“He noticed my heart rate increased when my music was played - that I was in there somewhere.

"One day I remember hearing some music at the end of a dark corridor. The music got louder. I realised the songs were mine. That's when, to everyone's delight, I finally woke up."

Receiving the award on Friday, Mr Laplana said: "I think I should share this award with Graham.

"We make a difference to each other."

Dan Faulkner's son, Jack, died aged 15, prompting him to fundraise for charity

Dan Faulkner, whose son Jack died in October 2018 aged 15, was awarded for his fundraising.

Jack had an aggressive brain cancer and died less than six months from diagnosis.

Mr Faulkner has taken part in triathlons, cycled from London to Paris, run the London Marathon and is due to cycle from London to Amsterdam in June to raise money for Sheffield Children's Hospital.

Professor Jaydip Ray, deputy lieutenant of South Yorkshire and the judge in this category, praised Mr Faulkner's "commitment to the cause borne out of the tragic loss of his son".

"He has demonstrated exceptional resilience and perseverance in turning a tragedy to motivate others in #teamjack to raise funds for such a worthy cause," he said.

Mr Faulkner said: "I’m a bit overwhelmed, a lot overwhelmed actually.

"We landed in the situation five years ago. Friends, family, colleagues wanted to do their bit.

"He was a good kid, a normal kid, getting his stride. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed."

Ann Bentley won the Great Neighbour Award

Meanwhile, the Great Neighbour Award was given to Ann Bentley, 83, who has volunteered for her local tenants and residents association for more than 22 years.

She has run breakfast clubs, lunch clubs, warm spaces, delivered Christmas hampers and organised litter picking.

She said "looking after the community" got her up in the morning.

Comedian Jon Richardson said: "There is a real butterfly effect to connecting people and making them feel valued.

"For someone who can find himself becoming disillusioned and slowing down in his forties, Ann's work at 83 is real kick up the backside to keep going."

Full list of winners:

Volunteer award - Phil Hall

The Morning Live Community award - Ann and John Allen

Animal award - Sue Tate

Carer award - Joan Pons Laplana

Great Neighbour - Ann Bentley

Green award - Paul and Bridget Manley

Fundraiser award - Dan Faulkner

Bravery award - Daisy Turton

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