Local heroes honoured in Make a Difference Awards

Winners for Berkshire celebrate at a special event staged at Reading Town Hall on Tuesday

An 11-year-old fundraiser and a crane driving hero were among the winners at an award ceremony celebrating local heroes.

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

To date, more than 10 million people have got involved in Make a Difference across BBC radio stations.

Winners for Berkshire were chosen by a panel of judges and were crowned at a special event at Reading Town Hall on Tuesday.

The cafe for the community

Tutu Melaku has made her Ethiopian cafe a hub for the community

Well-known local cafe owner Tutu Melaku won the community award for her business in Reading.

She has made her Ethiopian cafe a hub for many people including mental health groups, fitness groups and friendship groups.

She said her cafe is more than just a business and added: "I believe when you give to the community the community will give back."

Ms Melaku is grateful for the local support her business has received and added: "I think my community lifted me up and that's why I'm still here."

The brave crane driver

Glen Edwards rescued a man from a fire in Reading

Glen Edwards picked up the award for bravery, in recognition of his actions during a fire in Reading.

The quick thinking crane driver rescued a man from the roof of a burning building.

He guided the crane cage through the smoke, flames and winds, ensured the trapped man was on board, then lifted him to safety.

Reflecting on the experience he modestly said he does not feel like a hero.

He added: "I did what I had to do, I was in the crane, I got the man and he went home to his friends and family."

Mr Edwards has said he does not feel like a hero after rescuing a man from this burning building

Making bucket list wishes possible

Gini Hackett helps people with their bucket-list wishes

Gini Hackett who founded the charity Bucket List Wishes was awarded for her volunteer efforts.

The make-up artist and mother of five gives her spare time to the Berkshire-based charity which gives terminally ill adults their last wish with those closest to them.

Mrs Hackett made a bucket list for her mother after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

After her mother died she decided to help other people to achieve their dreams and founded the charity on what would have been her mother's 68th birthday.

'I do it to help other people'

Dexter Rosier uses sport to help other children who are struggling with their mental health

Dexter Rosier has been given a Make a Difference award for his fundraising work.

The 11-year-old has been tirelessly raising money for Reading-based charity Sport in Mind, which promotes sport and offers support to young people who are struggling with their mental health.

Before he was10 he completed "Dexter's Decathlon" which saw him trying 10 new sports and activities to raise money for the charity.

Last month he cycled from London to Paris.

He said: "I don't do what I do to be recognised, I do it to help other people."

Make a Difference award winners 2024

• Volunteer - Gini Hackett

• Community - Tutu Melaku

• Fundraiser - Dexter Rosier

• Carer - Isabella Faulkener

• Great Neighbour - Karen Coward

• Bravery - Glen Edwards

• Green - Harry Peksa

• Animal - HEROS Charity