Unsung community heroes from across Wales have been shortlisted for the 2026 BBC Make a Difference Awards in Wales.
The BBC Make a Difference Awards, which launched in Wales for the first time last year, celebrate acts of kindness, extraordinary contribution, and recognise people who do incredible things for each other and their local communities.
32 finalists have been selected from almost 500 entries across eight different categories. Among the finalists are a man in his 80s who fundraises by rowing from Connah’s Quay to Chester, a charity who have contributed thousands of hours of support to farmers and their families across Wales, and a young advocate from Ebbw Vale who turned a discovery of hedgehogs in his garden into a nationwide awareness campaign.
Interim Director for BBC Cymru Wales, Garmon Rhys, said: “We are delighted about the phenomenal number of entries we received for the 2026 BBC Make a Difference Awards in Wales. These awards are so important in shining a light on Wales’ unsung heroes, and we can’t wait to celebrate our brilliant finalists at the ceremony later this year.”
The awards are being judged by presenters from across the BBC, including BBC Radio 2’s Owain Wyn Evans, BBC Asian Network’s Bablu Shikdar and BAFTA-winning actress Rakie Ayola. Winners will be announced on 19 September 2026 at the BBC Make a Difference Awards in Wales ceremony in Cardiff. Hosting this year’s awards ceremony are BBC Radio Wales’ Lucy Owen and BBC Radio Cymru’s Caryl Parry Jones.
Categories and finalists:
The Active Award
Awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.
Awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.
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Ray Woolley, Flintshire – Ray has been fundraising for Cancer Research UK for over 50 years, and as a part of his commitment he completes an annual challenge which sees him row a demanding journey from Connah’s Quay to Chester.
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Emma Parry, Swansea – Emma set up Calon ADHD Project after tragically losing her daughter. Emma works hard to secure funding to organise activities including yoga, boxing and indoor climbing, and has built a supportive environment for families to connect with others.
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Raymond Barnes, Wrexham – Raymond dedicates his time teaching bowls to people of all abilities; helping people with their stroke recovery, those who are blind or partially sighted, wheelchair users and so many more. Raymond transformed a derelict bowling green to a club where people feel included and supported.
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Rehnaz Khan, Cardiff Visually Impaired Running Club, Cardiff – Naz created the Cardiff Visually Impaired Running club in 2025, the first of its kind in Wales. The club brings runners and volunteer guides together, boosting their physical and mental well-being while bringing people in the community together.
The Animal Award
Awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.
Awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.
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Mili the volunteer therapy dog, Gwynedd – Mili provides comfort and support as she visits schools, hospitals, universities, libraries and more, often dressing up in seasonal costumes and has even danced on stage at a dementia support event. Mili regularly visits intensive care units and brings joy to both patients and staff.
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Gareth Richards, Swansea – Gareth works tirelessly for the welfare of seals, including campaigning to ban flying rings - frisbee-like plastic toys, across Wales. He runs the Gower Seal Group charity, is on-call for rescues, and has volunteered for over 10 years for the National Trust.
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Woodfield Equine Sanctuary, Swansea – This sanctuary rescues abandoned, neglected, and unwanted animals, and makes every effort to provide them with the best possible care, and give them a long and happy life.
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Dylan Allman, Blaenau Gwent – A discovery of hedgehogs in his garden turned into a nationwide mission. Young advocate Dylan reaches thousands of people through the Be Hedgehog Aware campaign, which successfully persuaded major manufacturers to include his warning stickers on garden machinery.
The Community Group Award (supported by Morning Live)
Awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.
Awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.
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Meddwl.org, Carmarthenshire – A mental health charity run by a team of volunteers, meddwl.org works to encourage open and honest discussions about mental health, organise events and raise awareness of the support available all through the medium of Welsh.
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Tir Dewi Volunteers, Nationwide – a charity who have contributed thousands of hours of support to farmers and their families who are facing hardships across Wales.
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The Queer Emporium, Cardiff – Described as “the heartbeat of the city’s LGBTQ+ community”. The Queer Emporium offers a range of services from a space to get coffee and browsing bookshelves, to inclusive activities such as queer speed dating, comedy nights and craft clubs.
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Cwtch Baby Bank, Rhondda Cynon Taf – After 20 years’ experience fostering children, Hilary Johnson founded Cwtch Baby Bank, a charity which supports young and vulnerable families. The charity and its volunteers work tirelessly to ensure babies have safe equipment, warm clothing and everyday essentials.
The Fundraiser Award
Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.
Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.
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Megan Jones-Roberts, Aberystwyth - Megan organises events to raise money for a range of charities across Wales. Extremely active within Cymdeithas Eisteddfodau Cymru, Megan inspires others to get involved and creates a friendly environment that encourages fundraising for people of all ages.
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Raymond Roberts, Cardiff – Raymond has devoted over 45 years of his life to organising four charity events each year, raising thousands of pounds for causes including cancer care, dementia support, and going towards local hospitals.
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Chris Daniel, Merthyr Tydfil – What began as a personal tribute to his late wife, Rita Daniel, Chris climbs Pen y Fan to the summit and back, three times a day, five days a week to fundraise for Bowel Cancer UK. Chris’ journey spreads awareness and his fundraising has united a community.
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Abdul Seckam, Cardiff – Abdul has spent over 10 years raising tens of thousands of pounds for various charities, including Tenovus Cancer Care, Kidney Wales, and Gwent Arts in Health. Abdul centres much of his fundraising around the arts – developing creative initiatives such as Christmas card campaigns, selling artwork, and organising charity concerts.
The Environmental Award
Awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.
Awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.
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Environment Centre Swansea, Swansea – For over 30 years the Centre has been at the heart of Swansea’s green community, promoting sustainability, wellbeing and community connection. Through programmes like the Big Climate Leap and Green Spaces Project, it continues to inspire local people and businesses to reduce waste and build a more environmentally conscious community.
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Maya Bimson, Powys – Maya founded Zero Carbon Llanidloes Di-Garbon which has grown into numerous community-led projects encouraging sustainability. Through her leadership, the group has cut carbon emissions through The Library of Things project where people are encouraged to share items within their community and boosted local biodiversity by building and installing swift nest boxes.
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Llyn Parc Mawr Community Woodland Group, Anglesey – Looking after a unique woodland area, the group safeguard a landscape rich in wildlife and ecological importance. Through hardworking volunteer efforts, the group protects habitats and ensures the woodland remains accessible and valued.
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Andrew “Ted” Williams, Carmarthenshire – Ted has dedicated his time transforming neglected tennis courts and surrounding areas of Parc y Betws, turning it into a thriving wildlife and community garden. Ted’s work brings people together, including scholars, volunteers and local businesses, and improves sustainable gardening practices.
The Great Neighbour Award
Awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work in, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.
Awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work in, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.
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Julian Thomas, Pembrokeshire - Julian is always on hand to help in his rural community in Llanddewi Velfrey, he’s always ready with a JCB whenever anyone needs assistance. From removing fallen trees after a heavy storm to delivering firewood to neighbours, Julian never hesitates to step in and act even before being asked.
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Kelly Hayes, Torfaen – At the very heart of Pontypool, Kelly has become a driving force for kindness and community spirit. A tireless advocate for those around her, she leads initiatives such as organising Christmas charity boxes for families in need and champions causes like SANDS, earning her a reputation among neighbours as a true community pillar worthy of recognition.
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Delwen Williams, Pembrokeshire - After arriving in Saundersfoot in 2023, retired music teacher Delwen founded the Côr y Môr choir. Bringing together women aged 50 and over, the group has become far more than a choir, offering friendship, connection and a renewed sense of belonging.
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Sally Thomas, Merthyr Tydfil – Sally goes above and beyond to provide assistance for others in her community, supporting neighbours by taking them to appointments and providing much needed emotional support. She is always ready to help and volunteers her time to take care of others when they’re ill or injured.
The Volunteer Award
Awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.
Awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.
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Christopher Rees, Sober Ninjas, Gwynedd – Inspired by his own health challenges and battles with addiction, Christopher founded the Sober Ninjas community and dedicates his time supporting others in crisis. Christopher also set up Caffi’r Ogia, offering a safe space for men of all ages to openly talk about their mental health.
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Wyn Thomas, Ceredigion – A former schoolteacher, Wyn is a prominent and dedicated figure within the Newcastle Emlyn community. He volunteers across many committees, including the Newcastle Emlyn Sheepdog Society and local rugby club. Wyn has also played a vital role in bringing the Eisteddfod y Garreg Las to the area.
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Kaz Jefferies, Carmarthenshire – After losing her hearing as an adult and learning British Sign Language, Kaz helps to run the Llanelli Centre for the Deaf and commits many hours of her week to volunteer for the group. The Centre teaches BSL for all ages and provides a supportive environment for the hearing and deaf community to come together.
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Jack Bridger, Bridgend – A passion for music led Jack to form the Porthcawl Community Orchestra when he was 15 years old. 12 years later, the Orchestra boasts 70 members who play at community events, nursing homes and organise concerts for the community.
The Young Hero Award
Awarded to an individual or group of young people under 16 who have made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.
Awarded to an individual or group of young people under 16 who have made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.
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Maisie Humphreys, Ceredigion – Maisie’s fundraising journey started from a desire to buy sensory equipment for her baby sister and transformed into a need to help her community. At 11 years old, Maisie has encouraged, motivated and inspired fundraising efforts and is organising the second ‘Nel’s Rainbow Run’.
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Macy Grace Bates, Gwynedd – Macy has been fundraising since she was seven years old, and now at 14 has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity. From organising children’s parties, donating hampers to the local residential home and taking part in charity events, Macy lends a helping hand to anyone in need.
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Morgan Mace, Gwynedd – Passionate about connecting isolated rural communities, Morgan has coordinated a campaign to reinstate a historic railway line on the Caernarfonshire Railway. Morgan takes initiative and has contacted government departments with questions and held discussions with local politicians, both at a county and national level, about the project.
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Noa-Rose Alderman, Caerphilly – Seven-year-old Noa-Rose is a meningitis survivor who has transformed her journey into a mission to raise awareness and protect others. Noa-Rose has fundraised thousands for Meningitis Now and has even challenged herself to climb Pen y Fan mountain.
