Make a Difference Awards winners revealed

Fundraiser Harli with host Angelle Joseph (left) and first round judge Lily Hammond (right)

A 10-year-old girl who raises money in memory of her mother who died of cancer has been celebrated at an awards night.

Harli Dixon won the Fundraiser category at this year's BBC Radio Suffolk Make a Difference ceremony held at Trinity Park, near Ipswich.

Judge Seymour Quigley said: "This category had some amazing stories of how people have turned difficult and devastating experiences, into powerful action to help others.

"To suffer such heart breaking loss at such a young age, and then show so much determination to help others is so inspiring, and shows strength and compassion."

Harli took part in the 2023 Midnight Walk for St Elizabeth Hospice, raising £2,500

Harli's mother, Jemma Chatten, died in 2022 after receiving end of life care from St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich.

Harli said: "When she died, and got cancer, even though they couldn't make her live longer, they supported her in a good way.

"Sam from the hospice came into my school every week to support me."

Harli also helped her father, Rob, to organise a dinner dance at Seckford Hall, Woodbridge, which raised over £20,000.

Left to right: James de Mierre, Toby Lindsay-White, Kathy Cummings, Tina Ashford, with Harli Dixon, Paula Baker and Paul Berryman in the front row

2024 Winners

Along with Harli, winners of the other six categories were presented with their trophies at the awards night on 4 September.

The Volunteer Award – Paul Berryman, who volunteers at the Suffolk Oxygen Therapy centre despite having Multiple Sclerosis himself.

The Community Award - Project40Seven in Leiston, which offers a host of services including a community pantry and a school uniform exchange.

The Animal Award - Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue which carers for sick and injured hedgehogs and also trains younger volunteers.

The Carer Award - Kathy Cummings in Barningham, near Bury St Edmunds, who is described as the 'village lighthouse' for the care and support she provides for lots of different people.

The Great Neighbour Award - Tina Ashford in Sudbourne, near Aldeburgh, despite overcoming family bereavement always goes above and beyond to help others in the village.

The Green Award - 14-year-old James de Mierre from Woodbridge, who uses poetry and his social media to promote environmental issues, as well as volunteering with several different groups.

All the winners and those highly commended finalists received trophies and had a film about their work shared during the ceremony

A highlights programme is being broadcast at 09:00 BST on 5 September.

You can also watch videos of the finalists in each of the seven categories here.