Therapy dog and boxing coach are community heroes

A therapy dog who helps people with trauma and a boxing coach who helps youngsters compete internationally were among the winners at BBC Radio CWR's Make A Difference Awards 2026.

Other winners were honoured for running community excercise classes and taking Christmas presents to a hospice.

Eight winners were chosen from hundreds of nominations by a celebrity judging panel which included Coventry City FC chairman Doug King and TV personality Pete Wicks.

The Make a Difference Awards began during the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to celebrate individuals, groups and organisations who go above and beyond to help others in their communities

Winnie the dog received the Animal Award for providing comfort and support to people through therapy work.

She and her owner John Szyndler have visited more than 100 dementia care homes across Coventry and Warwickshire. Together they bring calm, comfort and connection to residents who often spend long periods without visitors.

Her owner said he was "absolutely stunned" to receive the award as he genuinely did not think they would win.

Inderpal Kaur founded Nirmal PureMind to give something back to society as part of an act of "seva," an important practice of her Sikh faith.

She runs free exercise classes, wellbeing sessions as well as organising spaces to discuss health issues from mental health to menopause all for free.

"I wasn't expecting it, it was a complete shock. I am so proud," she said of her award.

Eleri from Warwick was recognised with the Young Hero Award for making a positive impact at a young age and inspiring others through her actions.

Aged just seven she has filled a car with Christmas presents for Myton Hospice and is taking on a virtual John O'Groats to Land's End challenge.

Eleri's mum told BBC CWR: "I am immensley proud of her, she just wants to do things to make things better for other people".

Mick Lagbir Singh was named Great Neighbour Award winner for his commitment to supporting people in his area.

As well as funding day trips for people who are isolated he provides spending money, free snacks and drinks on trips, funds Christmas dinners and gifts for care homes and buys microwaves for people who need them.

He told BBC CWR he was "shocked" to receive the award.

"Everybody is a winner that helps the public," he said.

Ron Harkness received the Active Award in recognition of his contribution to helping people stay active and improve their wellbeing.

He has been coaching boxing for over 50 years at Willenhall Social Club, mentoring many young boxers.

"I am really overwhelmed. I will have the award at home so I can admire it," he said.

Martina Irwin was recognised for her efforts to improve and protect the local environment. She has rescued damaged and threatened trees, creating her beautiful Tree Sanctuary in Potters Green.

She said it was a "genuine shock" to receive the award.

Emma Shiers received the Fundraiser Award after raising money and awareness for causes important to her community.

"I'm feeling absolutely humbled, to be honest, absolutely thrilled" she said.

"It's not just me, I think it's for the whole of Camp Hill, it's for every fundraiser and it's for everyone who's been told they can't succeed."

Aspire and Thrive, run by Dave Hughes and Cameron Belford, won the Community Group Award for the positive impact the organisation has made in supporting people by building confidence, creating connections and helping young people thrive.

Cameron said: "Anybody in that room could have been a winner tonight, and we are just so humbled and appreciative of the fact that we have been able to win an award.

The winners were recognised at a ceremony held at Square One Bar & Entertainment Venue and awards were presented by radio presenters Lorna Bailey and Trish Adudu.