A number of remarkable individuals (and one dog) from across Greater Manchester have been honoured at the BBC Radio Manchester’s Make a Difference Awards 2026 for their outstanding contribution to their local communities.
The Make a Difference Awards, which grew out of an initiative during the Covid-19 pandemic to connect those in need with those who could help, are now in their fifth year. Each year, the awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the everyday people – and animals – who go above and beyond to make life better for others in their local communities.
This year’s Greater Manchester awards, which were presented by BBC Radio’s Joe McGrath, took place on 24th September at Leigh Sports Village.
Local celebrities were on the judging panel
The difficult job of selecting the winners from thousands of inspiring and deserving nominations fell to a judging panel made up of local figures, including broadcaster Shaun Keaveny, rugby league star Umyla Hanley, actor Nikki Sanderson and disability advocate Jay Howard, as well as the Bishop of Manchester.
Andrew Bowman, Executive Editor at BBC Radio Manchester, who also served on the judging panel, said:
Every year, I’m amazed by the nominations we receive. Reading about the incredible work taking place across our communities is both inspiring and humbling. The dedication, kindness and commitment shown by so many people is truly remarkable.
Individuals were honoured across several categories, including volunteering, fundraising and environmental work, and one local community group, Angels United, were recognised for using the power of football to break the silence surrounding baby and child loss.
Mental health, a Youth Centre and a Downs syndrome charity are among those who benefitted
This year’s other winners included Jordan Egerton, a youth worker and mental health advocate, who founded ‘Men of Kin’, an organisation that seeks to use exercise to help men open up about and improve their mental health.
Helen Thornhill was recognised for her tireless fundraising efforts, which saw her raise £30,000 in just three weeks to save a Youth and Community Centre after council funding was cut.
Theo Avraam, a nineteen-year-old local man with Down syndrome, also received an award for his incredible litter-picking efforts, which have seen him turn the rubbish he has collected into almost £4,000 for a local Down syndrome charity.
It wasn’t only local humans who were honoured. Police search and rescue dog Ace, received an award, alongside his handler, PC Richard Beswick, for locating and ultimately saving the life of a man who went missing whilst hiking in the Pennines.
The full list of award winners was:
- The Volunteer Award – Andrew Stone, Stalybridge
- The Young Hero Award – Yasmin Ali, Wythenshawe
- The Great Neighbour Award – Saima Alvi, Altrincham
- The Active Award – Jordan Egerton, Manchester
- The Animal Award – Ace and Richard Beswick, Oldham
- The Environmental Award – Theo Avraam, Northwich
- The Fundraiser Award – Helen Thornhill, Glossop
- The Community Group Award – Angels United (Supported by BBC Morning Live)
More information about the BBC Make a Difference Award, including more from the award winners, as well as information about how to get involved in local volunteering can be found at https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p086t40c
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