Eight community heroes won in an award scheme run by BBC Radio WM and BBC Local Radio across England.
The awards were given to local champions who have been making a difference in their communities and were nominated by listeners. The winners received their accolade at a BBC Make a Difference Awards ceremony on Saturday 24 September at the Birmingham Hippodrome hosted by BBC presenters Rakeem Omar and Kathryn Stanczyszyn.
Some became a shoulder to others during the pandemic while others are championing causes that are long-term, like breast cancer and the environment, and affect many people. The Make a Difference Awards were set up at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 and in the latest instalment many Brummie heroes were also honoured for their contribution to the community.
Patrick Hart, Editor at BBC Radio WM, said: “This is an amazing initiative that really captures the rich diversity of the West Midlands and showcases the positive and inspiring stories from our communities. BBC Radio WM is proud to be able to highlight just some of our listeners the make a difference”
Chris Burns, Head of Audio and Digital for BBC England said: “We are delighted to announce the winners of these wonderful awards, which celebrate those individuals who have gone above and beyond, what most of us expect from people. In a world where the news can often be quite bleak, it is a way of showing off the best of people. We have really enjoyed hearing their stories and sharing them with our listeners. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to nominated someone.”
To find out more about the awards visit: Make a Difference
The eight community champions from West Midlands are:
5. The Great Neighbour award winner, Trevor McIntosh
This is awarded to an individual or group of people who help to make the neighbourhood or local community a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness. Trevor works is a Social Care Practioner with the Birmingham City Council. He is also a Handsworth hero for championing grassroots cricket. Trevor McIntosh from Handsworth said: “I came with an open mind and I didn’t expect to win, it just meant a lot to be nominated. But team work makes the dream work and this award is for me and for all the other people who help me with my work. I’m always thinking of doing something and that keeps me going. If I see somebody in need, I am there and I try to help.” | BBC WM
6. The Community group award winner, Ladies fighting breast cancer
This is awarded to a group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within the community. This is a small regional charity is based in Birmingham and they have won multiple awards. | BBC WM
7. The Environment award winner, Pam Beale
This is awarded to an individual or group of people who help to make where we live more environmentally friendly. Pam Beale, winner of the Environment Award for her repair and share café in Lichfield said: “I don’t think most people want to get a new thing when it breaks and I think the Repair shop of the telly has made people realise that things can be repaired. We don’t do it for rewards but we are so pleased our community values what we do.” | BBCWM
8. The Fundraiser award winner, Dave Heeley OBE
This award goes to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a charity or good cause. Dave from West Bromwich and he is the first blind man to run seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days. He raised huge amounts for charity. (Photo by Matt Keeble/Getty Images for Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay) | Getty Images for Birmingham 2022