Make a Difference awards community heroes

(Left to right, from the top) Linda Huskisson, Shyla Brown, Bilal Aslam, Vhari Russell, Vicki Baker, Tincy Jose, Jordan Till, and Lisa and dog Poppy won awards

A senior nurse helping those with Parkinson's disease, an asylum seeker aiding refugees and a labradoodle therapy dog are among those who have been honoured at the BBC's Make a Difference Awards.

Eight people were unveiled as winners at the Hinxton Hall ceremony near Cambridge on Friday night.

The awards, held by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, celebrated people for the contributions to their communities.

Nurse Tincy Jose, who received a gong, said although it took her about one-and-a-half years to disclose her own Parkinson's diagnosis to colleagues, she gradually realised "there was a purpose to it... I believe it was a calling."

The winners were unveiled in eight different categories.

Carer award - Jordan Till

Jordan Till has been a full-time carer for her mother since she was four years old

Jordan Till, from Gamlingay, has been the sole carer of her mother since she was four years old and began caring for her aunt about four years ago.

She was nominated for the award by the pair, who said without her they did not know where they would be.

"She is special, what you see is what you get and she has never once complained," said Jordan's mum, Vivian, who has had major surgeries and life-threatening illnesses, so needs round-the-clock care.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," said Jordan. "I would do it over and over, always."

She added: "The help they need doesn't fit into a timetable. Rather than just keeping them alive, I hope I can give them a nice life, not just sat in a room as it had been for mum in the past."

Great Neighbour award - Bilal Aslam

Mr Aslam's nomination, from the H.E.L.P charity, described him as "dedicated, kind and invaluable in supporting vulnerable people"

Bilal Aslam and his family fled their home country and left everything they owned behind.

His escape brought him to Peterborough, where he has been volunteering to help other refugees while seeking asylum and permission to work.

He volunteers countless hours to help people apply for services, learn how to live independently in the UK and speaks with the community so their views are heard.

"I wasn't expecting this... we try our best, all of the team does, and I'm proud to be a part of that," Mr Aslam said.

Fundraiser award - Shyla Brown

Shyla said she fundraised to make "lovely and happy memories for my best friend... he is so cool, because when I'm not in a good mood... he brightens up my day"

When nine-year-old Shyla, from Newton-in-the-Isle, noticed her best friend was losing his sight, she wanted to help and offered to guide him around school.

Harrison and his brother have life-limiting conditions that degenerate sight, memory and physical ability.

Shyla has sold lemonade, walked a marathon and cycled 100 miles around Wisbech to raise money for Harrisons' family, to make special memories.

She said: "It feels amazing. I'm very pleased, happy and proud of myself."

Bravery award - Tincy Jose

Tincy Jose said he took her months to disclose her illness to her colleagues

Tincy Jose, a senior nurse from Wisbech who works at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

She has used her experience to educate clinical staff around best practise for treatment and worked "tirelessly to support and encourage others with the condition", her nomination said.

"Tincy had optimism that there was a purpose and duty of call behind her diagnosis, which made her come out of hibernation and be a campaigner for the Parkinson's community," it added.

Animal award - Lisa and dog Poppy

The nomination of Poppy the dog described her as "so intuitive with all children"

Poppy the labradoodle has recently retired as a hospital therapy dog after helping children with their physio.

Her owner Lisa Smart, from Cambridge, volunteered with Poppy at Addenbrooke's Hospital in memory of her daughter, Emily, who died aged 22.

Emily loved children and dogs, so Pets as Therapy on the paediatric ward was a perfect fit.

During her time, Poppy encouraged patients to walk with her, bend to stroke her and to play, which distracted them from pain.

On returning to the wards Emily was on, Ms Smart said: "Poppy has made such a difference. I feel like I am giving back to the hospital where Emily received such great treatment."

Volunteer award - Linda Huskisson

Linda Huskisson's harsh life experiences have been turned into a book

Linda Huskisson's life has been shaped by her experiences of abuse, slavery, addiction, prostitution, prison, cancer and her rescue and recovery.

Ms Huskisson, from Peterborough, has devoted her life to support victims of domestic abuse and set up "Living Keys", which runs courses and support groups, so women who have been in a similar situation can help one another.

Her experiences have also been turned into a book.

In the nomination, Ms Huskisson was described as "a great example of how people can help people".

"She's compassionate, dedicated and determined to help women improve their lives."

Hearing about the recognition, Ms Huskisson said: "I feel very humbled, that's for sure, I never expected anything at all. There are so many wonderful stories out there, so I was really surprised and taken aback."

Green award - Vhari Russell

Vhari Russell said Creating Nature's Corridors aimed to plant 10,000 native trees and hedges a year

Creating Nature's Corridors founder Vhari Russell, from Brampton, has planted thousands of trees in tribute to her late brother, tied to their shared love of nature.

She planned to plant some trees to replace the ones he had used in his carpentry, but the vision grew and became a goal to get hundreds of volunteers to put in 10,000 trees.

She said: "I want to play a part in leaving the planet in a better place than when I arrived, and through the charity I feel that I can help achieve this.

"During these times when mental health is such a priority, we need to spend more time appreciating nature. The fact is, as we help to heal it, nature heals us."

Community Group award - Peterborough Police Boxing Club

Husband and wife Chris and Vicki Baker set up a gym 12 years ago to give children opportunities to build self-esteem, respect, self-discipline and healthy lifestyles

Run by serving police officers, Chris and Vicki Baker have set up their own boxing gym.

The club helps young people deal with aggression or behavioural issues in a controlled way.

Their nomination came from a parent who described the huge confidence boost to her children.

"My son is so excited to go every Friday," they said.

"He recently won an award and said, 'Mum, I never thought I would win anything in my life.' I am forever grateful to Vicki and Chris. They really are real-life heroes."

Mrs Baker said: "We are one family, and it seems strange when you say it because everyone has come from such different backgrounds.

"From speaking to some children, if they didn't have the gym, they probably would be hanging about the street and getting involved in antisocial behaviour."