Guernsey Make a Difference 2025 finalists named

St Martins Rights Squad past and present who changed the law to make the school run safer

The finalists have been named in the 2025 BBC Guernsey Make a Difference Awards.

The finalists are St Martins Primary School Rights Squad, marine ambulance volunteer Gary Ward, safety campaigner Poppy Murray and Liberation bunting organiser Megs Bailey.

The awards celebrate people making a difference to the lives of others in their communities.

Ellie Jones, from the judging panel, said: "So much goes on that I don't think gets highlighted, so it's a wonderful chance to highlight all those unsung heroes."

'Large-scale impact'

Fellow judge Ashley Jarman said they had picked the finalists after being impressed by "the amount of work that they put in and the large-scale impact it has on the lives of people on the island."

Pupils from St Martin's Primary School Rights Squad campaigned to improve road safety around their school.

They brought about a change in the law so the lane outside the school is closed to traffic for 30 minutes at the start and end of the school day.

Former pupil Alex, who was involved with the start of the work, said: "The cars used to park in the playground here, and there'd be hundreds of cars parked in here and even just walking out of the classrooms it felt so unsafe."

The school said the changes had seen a huge increase in children walking, cycling or scooting to school each day.

Gary Ward has been volunteering with the marine ambulance since the 1990's

Gary Ward is the volunteer in charge of operations for the Flying Christine III, Guernsey's marine ambulance.

He is part of the boat's volunteer crew which transports medical personnel to emergencies at sea as well transferring patients from Sark, Herm and Alderney.

Mr Ward has recently seen the boat through a major refit.

Fellow volunteer Andy Lowe said: "It's just incredible the amount of hours and dedication he's put into it, to bring the boat up to the standard it is now."

Poppy Murray is the founder of BE LADS and SafetyNet Guernsey

Poppy Murray created the BE LADS campaign in 2021 in response to the murder of Sarah Everard in London.

It provides practical advice for men about how to help women feel safer when they are walking alone.

She then launched the charity SafetyNet, which is working to make the night time economy safer for all.

Simon Allum, the director of the bar Pingquay, said: "I think the recognition for her to make a difference into my industry is outstanding.

"She is tireless in her work, she doesn't stop."

Ms Murray teared up as she considered what she had achieved in the last four years.

"You'll get a message that you've helped someone or they felt confident to go to the police because of a post they've seen, and then you think it is worth it, it is making a difference," she said.

Megs Bailey co-ordinated sewers making bunting for the 80th anniversary of Guernsey's Liberation

Megs Bailey rallied groups and individuals to make bunting to decorate St Peter Port for Guernsey's 80th Liberation Day anniversary on 9 May 2025 - which marked the anniversary of end of the island's occupation by German forces in the Second World War.

She organised groups who made more than 14,000 flags and 3.6 kilometres (2.2 miles) of bunting, which remained around the town through the summer.

Mrs Bailey said: "The friendships and the people I've met have been lovely and it's just been a real pleasure to do; it's been hard work for a year but so worth it."

The winner of the BBC Guernsey Make a Difference Awards will be announced on Friday 12 September.