A much-loved lollipop man, an accessible cricket team adn a woman who helps search for lost dogs have all been celebrated at a special ceremony in Cornwall.
The BBC Radio cornwall Make a Difference 2025 awards recognised the unsung heroes of the county, with winners announced at a glittering event at the Falmouth Hotel.
Among those honoured was derek Thomas, from Helston, who has been a familiar face to generations of schoolchildren for over 20 years. He won the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to keeping children safe.
“ItS just lovely to be recognised,” said Derek. “I love my job, I really do. Seeing the children every day brightens up my day.”
The Community Group of the Year award went to Cornwall Accessible Cricket Club, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to play the sport.
Founder, simon Knowles, said the club was “absolutely thrilled” to win. “It’s amazing to see the positive impact cricket has on our members, both physically and mentally.”
Meanwhile, Sarah Harding, who runs the Lost Dogs Cornwall Facebook page, won the Volunteer of the Year award. She dedicates her time to reuniting lost dogs with their owners, often working through the night.
“It’s incredibly rewarding when you can bring a dog home,” said Sarah. “It’s the best feeling in the world.”
Other winners included a young carer who supports her disabled mother, and a community garden project that provides fresh produce for local food banks.
The awards were presented by BBC Radio Cornwall presenters, and were attended by local dignitaries and community representatives.
Local Heroes Honoured with Community Awards
Table of Contents
An 81-year-old man who tirelessly serves his village and a teenage volunteer have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community. Richard Northey from Chacewater was awarded for his considerable work, which includes being the local lollipop man, maintaining the recreation ground, play area and churchyard, and even cleaning the village toilets.
“I know I’m getting on a bit but I can’t sit down, I got to keep pottering around,” said Mr Northey. “I love doing the jobs. I can’t sit down all day and watch the television and play with the phone.I’ve got to get up and do something.”
Teenager Kayleigh from Camborne won the Young hero Award for her volunteering work running the pudding station at an after school teatime club. her ‘everything waffles’ are a particular hit with the club’s members, frequently enough drawing a long queue.
“When you come in there’s a queue from start to finish,” Kayleigh explained. “It’s really fun to see the same faces every week and know that you’re helping them.” She was surprised to receive the award, adding, “I didn’t really know what I do is making a difference, but apparently it is.”
Helston’s Sparkle Foundation Wins Community Group Award
The Helston-based Sparkle Foundation, founded and chaired by Leigh Yates, has been awarded the Community Group Award for its vital work supporting families facing mental health crises.
For 15 years, the charity has provided crucial support during acute mental health challenges, offering “whatever they need” to those in need. “People are not alone, there are people to help,” Ms Yates emphasized.Winning the award brought a wave of emotion for Ms Yates, acknowledging the difficulties and personal toll of the work. “it reinforces how worthwhile it is and how other people think of what you do,” she said. “I’m delighted and honoured and it made me feel amazing.”
The award recognizes the dedication of the Sparkle Foundation and its commitment to providing a lifeline for families navigating arduous times.
Cornish farmer Wins Green Award for Transforming Family Farm into Community Orchard
Viv Stratton, from St Ives, has been awarded the Green Award for his remarkable change of his family’s former farm into the St Ives Community Orchard.Hundreds of trees have been planted, creating a thriving woodland habitat for animals, insects, and wildflowers.
“For nearly 50 years I just dreamt this would eventually become a reserve, become an oasis, because I could see the buildings going all the way round to Halsetown, this will be a little oasis that people can enjoy for ever and a day,” Stratton said.
The orchard now serves as a valuable green space for the local community, offering a haven for wildlife and a peaceful retreat for residents.
Helston Couple Awarded for Fundraising Efforts to Raise Awareness of Group B Streptococcus
Sarah Doolin and craig Pollard, from Helston, have been recognized with a Fundraiser Award for their dedicated work in raising funds and awareness for Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Their tireless efforts stem from the tragic loss of their 19-day-old son, ezrah, who died after contracting a GBS infection that led to meningitis and sepsis, ultimately causing brain injury.
The Devastating Loss of Ezrah and the Birth of a Campaign
The couple initially created a fund to cover the costs of Ezrah’s funeral, which quickly garnered overwhelming support. Recognizing the potential to help others,they decided to continue their campaign,transforming their grief into a powerful force for change.
“All we do is for Ezrah,” Doolin stated, emphasizing the deeply personal motivation behind their work.
Raising Funds and Awareness for GBS
Over the past three years, Sarah and Craig have impressively raised over £84,000 for Group B Streptococcus support. Their fundraising efforts have not only provided crucial financial assistance but have also significantly increased awareness of this frequently enough-overlooked infection. They have also supported The grand Appeal for Bristol Children’s Hospital, where Ezrah received care.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium that can be carried in the gut and vagina without causing harm to the mother.however, it can be passed to the baby during birth, potentially leading to serious complications like sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia.NHS
Understanding Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
GBS is the moast common cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborn babies in the UK. While many babies born to mothers carrying GBS will be perfectly healthy, approximately 1 in every 1750 babies born to mothers who carry GBS will develop a GBS infection.
Symptoms in newborns can include:
Fever
Poor feeding
Irritability
Lethargy
Difficulty breathing
Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial for improving outcomes. Group B Strep Support provides extensive information and support for expectant parents and those affected by GBS.
Impact and Future Goals
The couple’s dedication has had a “mind-blowing” impact, according to Ms. Doolin,and their story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of GBS awareness and research. Their continued efforts promise to bring hope and support to families affected by this devastating infection.
Key Takeaways:
sarah Doolin and craig Pollard were awarded the Fundraiser award for their work raising awareness of Group B Streptococcus.
they have raised over £84,000 in three years for GBS support and The Grand Appeal.
Their campaign began after the tragic loss of their son, Ezrah, to a GBS infection.
* Raising awareness of GBS is crucial for early detection and treatment, potentially saving lives.