FA technical director wins Make a Difference Award

The FA's women's technical director took home a BBC Radio Somerset Make a Difference Award for running a community football club.

Gavin Step, who won the Active Award, started Huish Tigers FC in Taunton 10 years ago when his son was five-years-old as a way for him to have a kick about with his friends.

Step is no stranger to football as his professional role sees him support the Lionesses alongside manager Sarina Wiegman.

Thirty-two finalists were recognised at Taunton's Brewhouse theatre on Sunday 20 September for going above and beyond to help others, with eight winners announced on the night.

In ten years, Huish Tigers FC has grown to have almost 400 players, supported by 60 volunteers, with girls teams, a disability team and women's team too.

Category judge, Olympic figure skating champion Robin Cousins MBE said to Step: "You champion competitiveness, but not at the expense of young people. Inclusive, nurturing, fun and honest – what more could anyone want!"

The classmates of eight-year-old Harrison, a pupil at All Saints Church School in Montacute, were the winners of the Young Hero Award.

Harrison's class pulled together by doing a charity fundraising walk dressed as superheroes after Harrison was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Fanconi anaemia.

Harrison's mum, Jess, told BBC Radio Somerset he "was going into hospital in London for some very intense chemotherapy treatment".

"So knowing that he could be involved with something so wonderful with his friends was just really special."

Gladiators' star Apollo was the judge of the Young Hero Award and recorded a special video message for Harrison's class.

In it, he said: "Your superhero walk wasn't just about raising £4,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer, it was about showing your friend and his family that they weren't alone."

The Volunteer Award went to Yeovil-based community volunteer Chhavi Gautam who brings the community of the town together through cultural events.

Since moving to Yeovil from India seven years ago, she has been helping the Indian diaspora there to celebrate their festivals and share their culture through Yeovil Together.

Gautam, who trained as a GP in India, said: "Whether Diwali or Christmas or Holi, they are all celebrations of life.

"I want to teach the next generation that it is really important that wherever you go, you carry your customs with you."

Escape Support Group, based in Creech St Michael, near Taunton, provide activities such as paddle boarding, days out to places like Alton Towers and short break holidays for those who may otherwise find it difficult to do so.

Team member Kirsty Roath said: "It's just being able to provide that sort of respite and kind of escapism for them from their day, day-to-day life, in a supported environment."

The judge of the award, former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Janette Manrara, added: "I just love the idea of providing that escapism and joy – to forget that idea that you can't do something or go somewhere or it's not possible because it's going to cost too much money – it's really, really moving."

The Great Neighbour Award was won by Barbara Seacombe, who has lived on the same estate in Minehead for 30 years.

Seacombe says when she first moved to the town she witnessed lots of antisocial behaviour and so she set about changing things in the neighbourhood by working with the local council, housing association and police.

"I always wanted the children to have positive outlooks rather than negative, so my aim was to bring everybody together as a cohesive community," she said.

BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay was the judge who picked Barbara Seacombe as the winner.

He said: "You became a leader and you've remained a figurehead for your community.

"Bringing people together. Giving everyone on your estate purpose and strength."

Rufus, a six-year-old border collie, who is a pets as therapy dog that visits patients at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, won The Animal Award.

Rufus' owner, Sheila Garner, said: "He senses when a patient is particularly ill and he's also very valuable to the patient's family at the side of the bed.

"He's also very important to the staff because in working in critical care is quite hard."

The Animal Award was judged by BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Matt Chorley who said: "Everyone knows that if you're feeling down, a dog will cheer you up."

Octogenarian Patricia Whitworth from Taunton was named as the winner of The Environmental Award for volunteering at Maidenbrook Country Park.

From fixing fences, helping care for damaged trees and litter picking, Whitworth was hailed as a "champion of wildlife".

Whitworth said: "I've been very fortunate because I had rheumatoid arthritis from the age of 30.

"I've got plastic knuckles, I've got pin toes, I've got a replacement shoulder. But the outdoors gives you back something.

"I mean, going up to the park, hearing the birds sing, there's nothing more beautiful, is there?"

In judging the category, actor James Purefoy said: "You are an inspiration to all of us as we get older."

John Davis, 89, from Yeovil won The Fundraiser Award for all his work raising money for the charity, Yeovil Heartbeat, which provides a gym for people, like him, who have had cardiac problems.

Davis has raised £15,0000 for the charity by making and selling wooden bird boxes, feeding tables and welly stands.

Inspired by his entrepreneurial streak, Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden said: "You have my huge respect and admiration. Thank you for all that you have done and all that you continue to do."

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