'I wanted to end my life, now I've won an award for helping others'

Jack Percival founded Percy's Homeless Hub following his own experience of being on the streets with mental health issues

A father of two who said he had wanted to end his life two years ago has been recognised for the work he does helping others.

Jack Percival, who received the BBC Radio London Make a Difference Volunteer Award, said: "I thought my life was over. I was desperate to die.

"I thought everything I was going through wasn't normal, so I didn't want to talk to people about it."

Make A Difference winners in eight categories were chosen from hundreds of nominees at the Radio Theatre at Broadcasting House.

Jack, a former golf course manager, founded Percy's Homeless Hub following his own experience of being on the streets with mental health issues.

With the help of a friend and a second-hand van, they provided hot food for up to 150 people every Monday. The charity also helped those suffering from addiction to detox.

He also raised money for a soup kitchen in Croydon and started Epsom Run Club for people to run, walk and talk about life.

In January, he walked more than 400 miles to Glasgow from Surrey to raise awareness of men's mental health issues.

On social media, he said: "I'm humbled to receive a BBC Make a Difference Award.

"Two years ago I thought my story was over. I couldn't imagine mornings, small kindnesses, or a reason to keep going.

"Now my days are filled with serving warm meals, sitting with people in the dark, and showing up even when it's hard.

"This award isn't the finish line it's proof that things can change, even when you can't see how."

Here are the other award winners:

Young Hero Award: Raphael

Raphael won the Young Hero Award for raising thousands of pounds for charity

Raphael, 13, has already won multiple awards for his academic and athletic achievements and for raising thousands of pounds for charity.

He said winning the latest award "feels amazing".

He added: "I feel like my hard work has been recognised and also I'm able to set an example for others."

Active Award: Streetz Ahead

Streetz Ahead won this year's Active Award for their dance classes for children

Local dance group Streetz Ahead won this year's Active Award.

It offered dance classes to children during evening and after-school classes and arranged showcases at venues including West End theatres.

Chief executive Elizabeth Lahav, who founded the organisation 30 years ago, said: "It's a chance to really build their confidence - giving them a chance to shine on stage.

"These 30 years have gone so fast and it's such an honour to receive this award."

Great Neighbour Award: Patience Ndebele-Omijie

Patience Ndebele-Omijie won her award for being a great neighbour

Living in Newham, Patience runs a food bank, organises mental health programmes and coordinates community activities for women to come together, feel empowered and build friendships.

She came to England as a migrant and said she wanted to make it easier for others.

"Getting this recognition has brought a lot of tears to my eyes, joy to my heart," she said.

"We're all just pieces of the puzzle, but today the puzzle was complete because we came from all over London and today we are all joined because of kindness and that means a lot to me."

Community Group Award: Jessop Primary School's Dads and Male Carers Club

Club founder Scott Leonard collected the award for Jessop Primary School's Dads and Male Carers Club

Jessop Primary School Dads' Kids' Club provides a space for men to connect, learn new skills, and spend quality time with their children.

It is celebrating its first anniversary having doubled attendance since it opened, with an average of 57 dads, carers, and children at each session.

The club aims to tackle toxic masculinity and counter the negative influence of harmful online content.

It was started by parents after Elianne Andam was murdered by teenager Hassan Sentamu in a row over a teddy.

Club founder Scott Leonard said: "The more we do this the more our kids feel connected, and the more we're connected the less bad things happen and the better the world is."

Animal Award: Molly, therapy dog

Molly, the cockapoo, and Babs, her owner, collect the award

Molly, a cockapoo, spreads joy at Croydon University Hospital where her owner Babs, 85, takes her every week.

They spend time in the stroke ward, as well as the children's wards, where Babs chats with patients and Molly gently rests beside them. Their visits bring comfort, smiles and a welcome distraction from hospital life.

Babs said: "Winning this has made my day, because you're doing something useful - not just wasting your time."

Green Award: Deborah O'Sullivan

Deborah O'Sullivan won the Green Award for food waste service

Deborah was nominated for driving a food rescue service and redirecting surplus food to those in need.

She coordinates a network of more than 30 shops and a team of volunteers who work to get food destined for landfill to schoolchildren, struggling families and refugees seven days a week.

"We reach about 1,000 people a week and have absolutely no funding," she said.

"It's good to be part of something that gives back and it's good to reflect on how we can all make a big difference."

Fundraiser Award: Idris Patel, founder of Supporting Humanity

Supporting Humanity founder Idris Patel, second from left, lives by the motto "it's not what the world can do for you but it's what you can do for the world"

Supporting Humanity provides mental health and bereavement support to those in need.

Founder Idris Patel was nominated for leading a one-day event which raised more than £214,000 for the people of Sudan and Palestine.

He said: "My mum always says this one thing and I've lived by this motto: It's not what the world can do for you but it's what you can do for the world".

The BBC Make a Difference Awards were hosted by BBC Radio London presenters Gaby Roslin and Eddie Nestor.

There were eight categories and winners were selected by a panel of judges. Awards are given in each category across every local BBC radio station.

Make A Difference launched at the beginning of the Covid pandemic in March 2020 as a virtual notice board for those able to offer help and those needing support.

You can listen to a special programme dedicated to the winners of the Make a Difference Awards at 19:00 BST on Friday on BBC Radio London or listen back on BBC Sounds shortly thereafter.

Additional reporting by Harry Low.

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