Award winners 'shell-shocked' and 'blown away'

Thelma Smith is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a purple T-shirt with 'The Laffletics Club' printed on it. She has a short grey bob and is wearing glasses. She is sitting in front of a brick wall. JESS LORD/BBC

Thelma Smith, winner of the Volunteer award

Jess Lord
BBC News

A woman who set up an activity club for people with disabilities has been recognised by BBC Radio Lincolnshire at the 2024 Make A Difference Awards.

Thelma Smith, 64, was paralysed in a road accident in 1990 and set up The Laffletics Club in 2004 which takes place on Saturday mornings in Sleaford.

She was described by other Laffletics volunteers as "the kindest person" and an "incredible, wonderful, gentle lady".

Also celebrated were Stephen Timewell, for his work with the Spalding Flower Parade, and Julie Jarvis from the Lincolnshire Community Stroke Team.

KARL BIRD/BBC

Stephen Timewell won both the Community and Fundraiser awards

After being announced a winner, Ms. Smith said: "I'm absolutely shell-shocked. It's a win for the whole club - all the Laffletics members and volunteers.

"I did think, shall I retire after 20 years, but I definitely can't now".

She added: "I can't wait to tell the members. They're going to be so chuffed".

Mr. Timewell, who was awarded the Community and Fundraiser awards for his efforts in organising and bringing back the Spalding Flower Parade after a ten year absence, was similarly delighted.

"To be nominated was enough," he said. "To win - I'm blown away. I'm just so happy and proud of everyone who has stood behind me.

"One [award] was amazing - but two is just incredible. I'm going to have to get a bigger mantelpiece. I'm just so proud and happy.

"The Flower Parade belongs to the community. Long may it continue".

It was also an emotional evening for Julie Jarvis, who works for Lincolnshire Community Stroke Team and won the Carer award.

"I can't wait to tell the rest of my team," she said.

"I'm going to take it [the trophy] into the office in Boston and keep it there.

"It's a real joint effort - I may even buy them [the team] all a box of sweets too".

Julie Jarvis won the Carer award

The ceremony was held at The Drill in Lincoln and attended by over 140 guests who enjoyed a drinks reception and two course dinner.

BBC Make A Difference was set up in 2020 at the start of the first coronavirus lockdown to help those in need.

For the first time the awards featured a category recognising animals or those who work with animals.

It was won by Lisa Dean from Beauty's Legacy which finds lost, stolen and stray pets.

Ms Dean said: "I'm absolutely blown away and speechless, which is very rare for me.

"It's not just a win for me, it's a win for the whole team behind me.

"I get very invested with every family that I help. It's so rewarding when it works out".

Full list of BBC Radio Lincolnshire Make A Difference 2024 winners:

  • Volunteer Award - for an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others - Thelma Smith from The Laffletics Club' Sleaford

  • Community Groups Award - for a group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within their community - Stephen Timewell for his work with the Spalding Flower Parade

  • Fundraiser Award - for an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause - Stephen Timewell for his work with the Spalding Flower Parade

  • Carer Award - for someone who improves the life of an individual or group of people through their helpfulness, compassion and support - Julie Jarvis, Lincolnshire Community Stroke Team at Lincoln Community Health Service

  • Great Neighbour Award, for an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness - Liz Quiney from Gypsy Bridge near Boston

  • Bravery Award - for an individual or group of people who has shown outstanding courage, defiance and duty in the face of perceived danger, fear or difficulty - Emma Sellars from Lincoln

  • The Green Award - for an individual or group of people who make where they live a better place by caring for the environment and nature - Stuart Wills, Bourne Bike Donations and Recycling

  • The Animal Award - for an animal that improves the life of an individual or group of people or a person or group of people working with animals to improve animal welfare - Lisa Dean from Beauty’s Legacy in Mablethorpe

You can listen to BBC Radio Lincolnshire here.

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