Manchester's Make a Difference Awards winners revealed

A mountain rescue volunteer, a "hero" fundraiser and a "lifesaving" bereavement group are among the winners of BBC Radio Manchester's Make a Difference Awards 2026.

The winners were celebrated at a ceremony held at Leigh Sports Village on Thursday, where their inspiring stories of kindness, resilience and dedication were recognised.

The award-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 and were presented by BBC Radio Manchester's Joe McGrath.

The Make a Difference Awards were set up across the country to give the public the chance to say thank you to those who go the extra mile to make life better for others in their local communities.

"Reading about the incredible work taking place across our communities is both inspiring and humbling," BBC Radio Manchester executive editor and Make a Difference Awards judge Andrew Bowman said.

"The dedication, kindness and commitment shown by so many people is truly remarkable."

Yasmin, age 12, is a volunteer and junior fundraising manager at The Bideford Community Centre in Baguley.

Nominated by her grandmother, who also volunteers at the centre, Yasmin volunteers at the community centre charity shop, gives out food to people who need it, takes part in all centre events and helps the centre coordinator with fundraising for many causes - including raising money for the Moya Cole Hospice near to where she lives.

Yasmin also volunteers at festivals, Christmas markets and car boot sales at weekends to raise funds and with her help the centre has recently been able to lead a project giving out feminine hygiene products to local mums.

Andrew Stone is a community first responder from Stalybridge, who provides vital early care for people experiencing life threatening situations.

He also goes above and beyond to help his community - delivering CPR, first aid and defibrillator familiarisation sessions at local groups and events.

He is lead volunteer for Tame Valley Scouts, managing all seven scout groups in the district, alongside running activities for the children and helping on the medical team so that events can run safely.

He also volunteers to support community events, parkrun, and other people's professional development.

Youth leader Saima, from Altrincham, was nominated for her "tireless" community work.

Her community members called her the "go-to person" for anyone in need - someone who will drop what she is doing to help anyone who asks, visiting people who are unwell, holding their hands and even helping people with end-of-life care.

Saima also organises funerals for people and has opened up her own home to people in need of accommodation.

PC Richard Beswick works on the roads policing unit and in his spare time volunteers with Oldham Mountain Rescue Team as a dog handler.

When the call went out that a walker had gone missing on Middle Edge Moss, Richard sprang into action with operational mountain rescue search dog, Ace.

With help from National Police Air Service, Richard and Ace found the man who had gone missing after the weather had turned and it became dark.

NPAS was able to locate the man, which led to Ace and PC Beswick finding him on Middle Edge Moss a short time later.

The incident could have been fatal, but because of them, the man was treated and airlifted by the coast guard helicopter.

Nineteen-year-old Theo has Downs Syndrome and congenital heart disease.

He was nominated for the award by his mum for his resilient dedication to his community ahead of a serious operation.

After being on the urgent waiting list for a mechanical aortic valve for nine months, Theo had a fourth open heart surgery on 29 October.

In the face of a stressful waiting period ahead of the operation, Theo chose to focus on purpose instead of fear - and armed with his litter picker got busy clearing lay-bys, country lanes, alleyways and car parks every day of the month in the lead-up to his operation.

Using the challenge as a fundraising opportunity, he raised £3,822 for Down Syndrome Cheshire.

He got back to litter picking in March just months after the surgery - and has even encouraged some of his friends with disabilities to join him as he embarks on a weekly litter pick.

When Gamesley Community and Sports Centre in Glossop lost council funding, "hero" Helen stepped up, with just three months to save the centre.

She raised £30,000 in just three weeks, devoting all her spare time to rallying the community together and convincing the council of a future for the centre via charitable funding.

When the centre was saved in September 2024, Helen and a team of volunteers took it on. And after a full refurbishment, it now provides space for parenting groups, youth activities, job fairs, a boxing club, fitness classes and a warm space for elderly residents.

Helen is now leading the charge to refurbish the dilapidated football pitch and tennis courts at the centre, which will provide useable sports facilities for the estate for the first time in more than 15 years.

Angels United is a community group for bereaved dads which has been described as "saving people in ways that can't always be seen".

The group was nominated for the award by a bereaved dad who said his life was changed by this group after losing three babies.

The dad said his "world had stopped" after losing his children.

"As a dad, people often don't ask how you are and you end up carrying a lot on your own," the dad said. "Grief can be a very lonely place.

"Finding Angels United changed that for me."

He said through football and being around other dads who understood how he felt without having to explain anything he found support, friendship and hope again.

Jordan is a sessional youth worker for Greater Manchester Youth Network and is youth development lead for The King's Trust.

Jordan also a is a mental health advocate and founder of "Men of Kin", a group that hosts weekly community runs and wellness socials.

He has collaborated with partners to secure free therapy sessions for local men - and uses his podcast "Value Exchange" and social media presence to challenge the stigma surrounding men's health.

Last November, he completed a gruelling daily running challenge dedicated to suicide awareness, carrying a heavy sandbag as a physical tribute to those carrying "invisible weight".

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.