Boy, 8, given posthumous bravery award

Jack Craven died in April from a rare brain tumour

An eight-year-old boy who died from a rare brain tumour has been given a posthumous bravery award at the BBC Radio York Make a Difference awards.

Jack Craven, from Sherburn in Elmet in North Yorkshire, had diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).

He was one of eight "unsung heroes" to receive accolades at a special ceremony at York racecourse.

Jack’s father, Adam Craven, said his son had always wanted to win an award and would have been "over-the-moon" with the honour.

Jack Craven's father, mother and brothers received the award at York Racecourse

Mr Craven said: "It was heartwarming and heart-wrenching, but at the same time everyone here has had a smile on their face no matter what the circumstances.

"I think it'll do nothing but make the community stronger."

Asked how Jack would have reacted, he said: "Jack loved a party. I've got three children and he was the most outgoing.

"He loved a trophy and he would have had a breakdown at this, because this is his moment and this is what he deserved."

The winners in eight award categories were honoured in a ceremony at York Racecourse

Seven other community heroes were also honoured at the event hosted by BBC Radio York presenter Georgey Spanswick.

Bill Hill from the Red Tower Foodbank in York received the Volunteer Award for his work in the Walmgate area of the city.

Mr Hill, who is in his eighties, spends his weekends collecting donations from supermarkets, which he then helps to hand out at the weekly food bank.

He said he was "honoured and surprised" to have had his work recognised.

"Whatever the judge saw in what we do at the Red Tower and on the streets maybe she saw something special," he said.

The Community Groups Award went to Lindsay Wrightson who set up the Ryedale and Malton Free Fridges scheme, which prevents surplus food going to landfill sites.  

'Positive stories'

Meanwhile, 10-year-old Lily Porter, from the Scarborough Christmas Dinners group, was awarded the Fundraiser Award, for her work providing festive meals to those who cannot afford them.

Lily organises fundraising events to finance the scheme and then buys, makes and delivers the meals.

She said the recognition had left her "speechless", adding: "There were so many amazing people who could've won this."

BBC Make a Difference was set up during the Covid-19 pandemic to recognise people who serve their communities and celebrate everyday, unsung heroes.

For the first time, the awards introduced an Animal Award, which went to Elvis, an Autism Support Dog, and eight-year-old Eli Wilson.

Organisers said Elvis had been honoured for saving Eli's life. The dog spotted that Eli was about to walk out into the road and stopped him from doing so, they said.

Also among this year’s winners was 12-year-old Sienna Burnett. Sienna received the Carer Award for the help she gives in looking after her sister.

Rachael Blueman was honoured with the Great Neighbour Award for playing her bagpipes at the end of her street for her neighbours during the first Covid lockdown.

Meanwhile, the Green Award went to Simon Warwick, from the Lower Ure Conservation Trust, for help given to landowners in encouraging nature to flourish and grow.

The recipients were selected by a panel of local judges including Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi,  BBC Newsreader Reeta Chakrabarti, and BBC Morning Live’s Briony May Williams.

Rob Dowell, executive editor at BBC Radio York, said: "The Make A Difference Awards are one of my favourite days of the year.

"Having so many positive stories of individuals making a difference in their community is so inspiring to be part of."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.