Local heroes in Make a Difference Awards final

Ray Frewing, 101, has been nominated in the Great Neighbour category for his services to the local community

A 101-year old man and a woman who helps people with animal therapy are among the finalists for an award ceremony that celebrates local heroes.

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

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

Winners for Berkshire will be selected by a panel of judges and will be crowned at a special event at Reading Town Hall on 3 September.

'My inspiration'

Cindy Smulders stopped working to help care for her daughter, champion rower Georgia Carmichael

Cindy Smulders was nominated in the Carer category by her daughter, champion rower Georgia Carmichael, who won the Bravery Award last year.

The 21-year-old athlete has had a series of setbacks and comebacks after sustaining several brain injuries.

"My mum is my inspiration," said Georgia. "She has taught me what strength is.

"She fought for me when I couldn't. After another life-threatening injury when I was 19, she once again was so incredibly strong."

Georgia said she was diagnosed in 2023 with a spinal stroke and MELAS, which causes stroke-like episodes and seizures, and Cindy stopped working to help care for her.

"I feel she gets very little recognition for the incredible things she does for me and I want her to feel special, seen and loved. Through it all she has believed in me even when I have struggled to do so," she said.

'Something to get up to in the morning'

The 101-year-old lends a helping hand to neighbours in a variety of ways - from shopping for the elderly to raising money for a food bank

Ray Frewing is a finalist in the Great Neighbour category, in recognition of the efforts he makes to help people in his village.

The sprightly 101-year-old does the shopping for elderly neighbours, crafts bird tables and sells them to raise funds the local pre-school activities, and creates valentine hearts to raise money for the food bank, to name just a few examples.

"It would be very sad to live somewhere if you couldn't know your neighbours," he said.

"I think it's so important when you're retired to have something to get up to in the morning. Makes for an interesting life."

When asked why he helps others, Mr Frewing said "I just do it".

"I don't think there's any particular reason other than wanting to help people and be helped myself," he added.

No holding back

Chris Owens walked 250km (160 miles) of the Pembrokeshire coastline in a week to raise money for Berkshire Vision

Chris Owens, one of the finalists in the Fundraiser category, has Cone Dystrophy, a rare form of macular degeneration, and is registered blind.

He is known as Blind Man with a Backpack on social media and has been supported by charity Berkshire Vision since 2021.

The 43-year-old does not let his sight loss hold him back.

Apart from giving community talks and raising awareness about sight loss among his colleagues, Mr Owens decided to walk 250km (160 miles) of the Pembrokeshire coastline in a week.

With a friend guiding him along the rugged cliff edge, he completed the mammoth task and raised more than £5,000.

It was his goal to give back to Berkshire Vision, which he is also an ambassador for.

'Animals can make a difference'

Apollo the rook is one of Aimee Wallis's assistants at Corvid Dawn Wild Bird Rescue, through which she helps children and adults

A finalist in the Animal category, Aimee Wallis from Corvid Dawn Wild Bird Rescue helps children and adults with animal-assisted therapy, alongside Leo the dog and Apollo the rook.

She has dedicated her life to rescuing and rehabilitating the animals and birds that she looks after.

Corvid Dawn had a difficult year as it lost its land and Ms Wallis and her daughter lost their house.

But now the rescue centre has a new home at the The Red House pub at Marsh Benham.

"We literally have to rebuild everything from scratch, so it's a big project," Ms Wallis said.

She added she was "really surprised" by the nomination.

"I'm thrilled, it's really lovely," she said.

"Whatever the mental health need is, I definitely believe that animals can make a difference to that."

Make a Difference award finalists 2024

Bravery

• Glen Edwards

• Red Watch at Caversham Road Fire Station

• Dilys Morgan

Fundraiser

• Chris Owen

• Dexter Rosier

• Karen De Monte

• Lynne Whiteland

Green

• Derek Prior

• Harry Peksa

• Crowthorne Reduce Our Waste

• Alison Chaney

Great Neighbour

• Ray Frewing

• Karen Coward

• Carole Painter

• Laura Buckland

Volunteer

• Lynne Shipton

• Penny Dilley

• Barry Davis

• Gini Hackett & The BLW Team

Community

• Tutu Melaku

• Samina Hussain

• Sally Russell

• Rupee Chagar and Ramgarhia Sabha Reading

Animal

• Aimee Wallis, Corvid Dawn Wild Bird Rescue

• Hedgehog Cabin

• HEROS Charity

• Hektor the Dog

Carer

• Cindy Smulders

• Jeff and Suzanne Whitton

• Isabella Faulkner