Devon Make a Difference award winners announced

Six people are in a row with one person slightly in front of them, some are holding awards which appear to be made of glass, and host Angela Kalwaites is one of the people who is holding a microphone
Some of the Make a Difference Awards winners with BBC Radio Devon presenters [BBC]

The winners of BBC Radio Devon's Make a Difference awards were announced at a ceremony on Wednesday.

The awards are in their third year and recognise and celebrate people who genuinely make a difference in communities across the county.

The ceremony was held at Windslade Park in Clyst St Mary.

The winner of the green category, which is awarded to an individual or group of people who make where we live a better place by caring for the environment and nature, was Little Green Change.

The group offers environmental education opportunities for children and young people.

Jon Richards Junior, who works in Woolacombe to support local businesses and residents with employment and safety, won the award for the great neighbour category.

The carer award, celebrating someone who improves the life of an individual or group of people through their helpfulness, compassion and support, was given to Jane Taylor, an ambassador for Devon Carers and an unpaid carer for her husband who has advanced MS.

Ms Taylor said she was "thrilled" and "so shocked" to be chosen.

She said: "It's a joy to be able to support him, it's difficult for him as well. We muddle along together.

"Being a carer is what I do."

Jane looking off to the left and smiling, Jane has shoulder length hair
The carer award was given to Jane Taylor [BBC]

The fundraiser category was given to Tim, aged 10, who after 150 operations is now fundraising for the new Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital's paediatric emergency department in Exeter.

Winning the bravery category was Aimee Conroy, who set up the Luna's Fund in memory of her daughter.

The award celebrates the individual who has shown outstanding courage, defiance, and duty in the face of perceived danger, fear or difficulty.

People are sat around round tables which have glasses of water and cups of tea on them. They are looking forward to a stage which has a screen which is playing a video.
The awards are in their third year [BBC]

Ms Conroy's group supports other parents through baby loss.

The community category was awarded to ChemoHero, which was established by Lisa and Rob Wallis. The award celebrates a group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within their community.

Mr and Mrs Wallis give boxes of kindness to people beginning cancer treatment in North Devon and beyond.

Arthur Harman, driver, walk leader and cook for Westbank Community Health and Care won in the volunteer category.

An award for an animal that improves the life of an individual or group of people or a person or group of people working with animals to improve animal welfare was awarded to Harry the llama.

Harry the llama visits those living in care across the country.

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