Merseyside's Make a Difference Awards winners revealed

A "thoughtful" 13-year-old neighbour and an "inspiring" veterinary surgeon were among the group of worthy winners at the BBC Radio Merseyside Make a Difference Awards.

The ceremony featured stories of kindness, resilience and dedication at Boxpark Liverpool on Wednesday.

Winners were announced in eight categories that recognised people who go above and beyond to help others and make a real difference in the community.

The awards were set up to give the public the chance to say thank you to those who go the extra mile.

Damien John Kelly (DJK) House in the Wavertree area of Liverpool is an abstinence-based recovery centre for men.

As part of their recovery, the men give back to the community through different activities and volunteering.

Comedian Chris McCausland, who was one of the judges at the awards, said: "While turning their own lives around, they have greatly enriched their community in countless ways while also managing to alter initial public prejudices towards housing recovering addicts within the community."

Isla Unsworth has lived next to her 83-year-old neighbour Margaret since she was born and checks in on her every day.

From picking up her shopping to watching films together, Isla, 13, always makes time for Margaret no matter how busy her life is.

But the pair's friendship grew further after Isla noticed Margaret's curtains were still shut one afternoon in July 2025.

Margaret had suffered a stroke and, thanks to Isla raising the alarm, she was rushed to hospital for treatment.

Writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who was one of the judges at the awards, said Isla was "someone who notices the small things that make all the difference".

Carl and Mim Easton run Skem Men-Aces - a football team for adults with disabilities based in Skelmersdale.

Founded in July 2009, the club started with just six members and has since expanded to a group of more than 60 adults.

St Helens and England women's rugby player Jodie Cunningham, who was one of the judges at the awards, said: "There are many more barriers and financial challenges when delivering accessible activities.

"Their determination to make sure they are continuing to provide a place for people with disabilities in the local community to play the sport they love is commendable."

Celandine Wood Animal Rescue was founded by Dr Sharon Williams in Wirral.

The veterinary surgeon was horrified by the number of animals taken to vets for unnecessary euthanasia due to treatable behavioural or medical conditions.

The mission is to provide a lifeline to abandoned and neglected pets and try to find them a forever home.

Drag performer and singer Danny Beard, who was one of the judges at the awards, said: "Her passion and commitment are clear to see, and the difference she's making to the lives of so many animals is truly inspiring."

Julie Foster, from St Helens, was nominated by her neighbour after she helped her to settle into the community.

The neighbour, who moved to the area after leaving an abusive relationship, said Julie supported her when she experienced racism, acting like "neighbourhood watch, making sure we stayed safe".

She said Julie also supported other neighbours by helping them day to day, describing her as "the glue of the community".

Dr Gee Walker, who has devoted her life to tackling racism following the death of her son Anthony, was a judge alongside her daughter Dominique.

She said: "Although life's been unkind to her, she's turned her challenges and pain into purpose by reaching out and offering the necessary help to support them on their pain journey.

"She keeps looking beyond her own personal experiences by using them to ease the pain, struggles, suffering and challenges to those in need."

Lisa Carol founded Richard's Light CIC after losing her partner to suicide.

The support service is a community group where those who have lost someone can come together and talk openly about their grief.

They provide peer support, wellbeing activities, and community outreach to ensure no-one faces grief alone.

Traitors star and radio host Minah Shannon, who was one of the judges, said: "After experiencing the devastating and traumatic loss of her husband to suicide, she has turned her grief into something truly meaningful for others.

"Her commitment to supporting and caring for her community is remarkable."

Aidan Jackson first started his fundraising mission to raise money for a foundation set up in memory of his friend Olivia Walker.

Since his teenage years, he has been organising events and fundraising activities to buy and maintain community defibrillators.

Tim Edwards, who has campaigned for change following his daughter Elle's death, and comedian John May were both judges at the awards.

They said: "I feel Aidan is a really worthy winner because of the huge life-saving impact he has made in the community.

"Helping to provide nearly 50 defibrillators and raising around £100,000 is an incredible achievement, especially while dealing with his own health challenges.

"For me, his work has made a real, practical difference and will continue to help save lives for years to come."

Halton Youth Cabinet brings together young people aged 11 to 18 to campaign for change, represent their peers and make sure young people's voices are heard.

They were nominated for their "binimal" project, which saw them redesign litter bins to tackle the litter issue in Halton.

Karina Molby, who is the founder of Molby the Label and was a judge at the awards, said: "Halton Youth Cabinet are worthy winners for showing that even small ideas can make a big difference.

"Through 'Binimals', they have brought creativity, fun and community spirit to environmental action, proving that when young people are given the chance to lead, they can create lasting change."

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