Community heroes from across Wales have been shortlisted for the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards 2025.

Launched in Wales for the first time this year, the BBC Make a Difference Awards celebrate and recognise people who do incredible things for each other and their local communities, shining a light on these everyday, unsung heroes.

Over 700 entries have been whittled down to 32 finalists across eight categories. A youngster who ran the equivalent of three marathons to raise money for a children’s hospital, a boxing club that is considered the lifeline of the community, and a former racehorse turned therapy animal are among the finalists.

Leading this year’s awards in Wales are BBC Radio Wales’ Lucy Owen and BBC Radio Cymru’s Shân Cothi.

Speaking about the finalists, Lucy Owen, said: “We’re absolutely blown away by the nominations we’ve had. There are so many wonderful stories about community groups making a huge difference in their local areas and outstanding individuals committed to bringing people together, fundraising for good causes and caring for others.”

Shân Cothi said: “Over 700 nominations for our very first Make a Difference Awards in Wales says so much about who we are as a nation. It’s incredible to hear about some of the amazing things that people are doing right across Wales, we’ve had nominations in from Ynys Môn to Swansea and Wrexham to Carmarthenshire. A huge congratulations to everyone who was nominated and to all of our brilliant finalists.”

The awards are being judged by presenters from across the BBC, including Katie Owen, Lauren Price, Gethin Jones, Owain Wyn Evans, Bronwen Lewis, Iolo Williams, Olivia Breen and Aleighcia Scott. Winners will be announced at the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards ceremony on 20 September 2025 in Cardiff.

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.

Wasim Said, Tiger Bay Amateur Boxing Club, Cardiff – described as a lifeline for the community, the boxing club welcomes over 150 young people each week, offering structure, purpose, and a safe space.
Robin Jones, Farm Fit Club, Mold – livestock and dairy farmer, personal trainer, coach, business manager, and mental health advocate Robin is the founder of a new exercise initiative and not-for-profit, Farm Fit Club, which provides an inclusive exercise space for around 250 people every week.
Bellevue FC, Wrexham – Wales’ first multi-ethnic and inclusion specific, league registered football club.
Rachael Hobbs, Bangor – Rachael volunteers and manages free community walking groups, a cold-water swimming class, and a climbing group for mums, all aiming to help improve mental health.

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.

Mr Bojangles, Conwy – With more than 12 years’ experience, Mr Bojangles is a therapy dog that works with children to help them overcome social and emotional challenges.
Up For An Oscar (Ozzy), Pembrokeshire – a retired racehorse that was deemed unmanageable, Ozzy is now a therapy horse at Redberth Croft CIC, helping provide support for vulnerable people.
Jamie the Welsh Cob, Powys – through the Game Change Project, which offers equine facilitated learning, this therapy horse is described as transforming hundreds of young lives with his gentle, intuitive nature.
Sion Telor the therapy dog, Bangor – Sion Telor is a Border Collie, offering a valuable contribution to the Pontio-based Dance for Parkinson’s classes, making members feel more comfortable and relaxed.

The Community Group Award
Awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.

Caerphilly Uniform Exchange, Caerphilly – provides new and pre-loved school uniform to thousands of children and families across the Caerphilly borough and beyond, relieving financial burden on families through the cost of living crisis.
The Boot Room, Neath Port Talbot – founded by Carl Bradley, the Boot Room looks to ensure that the community’s young football players are not prevented from participating in the game they love due to a lack of equipment, boots or kit.
Maes-G ShowZone, Bangor – a performing arts group run entirely by dedicated volunteers, the club provides a safe, inclusive space where every child, regardless of background, disability, or financial situation, is given the chance to shine.
The Bike Club, Rhondda Cynon Taf – described as the ‘bright red beating heart’ of the community, this local hub offers a range of activities and services, from arts and crafts clubs, a knit and natter for the elderly, mother and baby groups, teenage darts clubs, dance classes, theatre clubs and much more.

The Fundraiser Award
Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.

Katy Yeandle and Emma Rees, Carmarthenshire – Joseph was three years old when he lost his fight to Neuroblastoma cancer in December 2021. In Joseph’s legacy, his family started the charity, Joseph’s Smile, to fundraise for other families who are in need of specialised support. So far, they’ve raised a total of half of million pounds for the cause which has provided medical equipment and treatment for children.
Bernie Day, Cardiff – Bernie and her husband Steve lost their daughter to sepsis after she needed her limbs amputated in an attempt to save her life. Bernie has since campaigned to raise awareness of sepsis and has fundraised to introduce the six sepsis pathway in all A&E departments across Wales.
Billy Hillman, Cardiff – community development manager and youth worker with over 30 years’ experience, Billy is responsible for fundraising for a wide range of free classes and opportunities on offer for the community, including cooking clubs, yoga and meditation, a music space, a community gym and paid-for trips during the school holidays.
Kaz Jefferies, Carmarthenshire – Kaz has been volunteering for the Llanelli Deaf Centre for 10 years, campaigning for equal rights and opportunities for the deaf community. Kaz has raised donations through mountain climbs, abseils, zip lines and has shaved her head twice in aide of the centre.

The Green Award
Awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.

Martin Draper, On the Verge, Powys – Martin’s aim is to create and maintain wildflower habitats and increase environmental awareness through education and influence. Starting with an idea in Talgarth to leave local verges unmown and create a community garden, he has brought together a group of like-minded volunteers and created the 1Metre Matters brand, an initiative which is now being adopted by councils across Wales.
Sharron Taylor, Tipi Fields, Pembrokeshire – Sharron has dedicated her time to cleaning up debris and marine waste from coastlines, making a significant and lasting impact on both her local environment and the wider community. In addition, Sharron transforms the discarded materials into unique, handcrafted items, giving new life to waste.
Meadow Street Community Garden Volunteers, Rhondda Cynon Taf – community volunteers have transformed an unused urban space in Pontypridd into a garden oasis and local hub, offering a safe social space, mental health support, and environmental learning. Benefitting local residents, schools and community groups, it has empowered people of all ages to reconnect with nature, grow their own food, and understand the importance of green spaces.
Hannah Greys, Toy Share Abergavenny, Monmouthshire – Hannah is the founder of a free toy sharing group for children aged 0-12, which aims to encourage families to buy less, normalise second hand items and reduce the impact of toys.

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.

Sharon Beck, Flintshire – Sharon has created a much needed community hub in the heart of Buckley. Offering a range of community groups and classes, including a men’s weekly café, a choir group, a knit and natter, pop-up classes for children, exercise sessions and craft fairs.
Macy Williams, ChangeByMW, Wrexham – Macy lives with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and set up the online group, Change by MW, to raise awareness for the condition and to offer support and positivity for other young people with similar conditions.
Tim and Suzanne Silcock, Ynys Môn – residents of a housing estate in Ynys Mon, the couple have been committed to helping other residents by transforming the communal living space, organising group activities and setting up daily meals to bring everyone together.
Eifion Williams, Ceredigion – since the Covid pandemic, Eifion spends his weeks helping his neighbours and local residents with their regular food shops, getting them to and from appointments and various other tasks.

The Volunteer Award
Awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.

Huw Williams, She Ultra marathons, Gwynedd – Huw organises all-female ultra marathon events that aim to bring support to women affected by cancer. Diagnosed with cancer himself, Huw believes in the power of community and the importance of standing together in the face of adversity.
Tadgh Crozier, LGBT+ North West Wales Social, Gwynedd – Tadgh has setup a group to connect LGBTQ+ people in north Wales which now has over 600 members. The group offers regular meet-ups, social occasions and outdoor activities including walks in Eryri National Park, as well raising awareness for issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.
Shani Stephens, Ty Fforest Hub, Swansea – this community hub offers a range of support services for the people of Swansea, including foodbank and food share schemes. Shani helps people from across Swansea, including victims of domestic abuse, veterans and the homeless.
Louise Chodecka, Carmarthenshire – Louise runs a breastfeeding support group in Llandeilo, offering help and support for new mothers and their babies. Louise started the group 18 years ago as a single mum, helping a lot of young families in this time.

The Young Hero Award
Awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.

Alys Davies, Carmarthenshire – Alys lost her leg in an accident at home at the age of eight, but as a keen dancer from a young age, she was determined to get back dancing with the help of her prosthetic leg. Alys’ attitude to not give up on her passion is now an inspiration to everyone around her.
Charlie Sheen, Conwy – at just 11 Charlie ran a total of 75 miles, raising thousands for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool after his sister received emergency treatment there following an accident.
Andrei Santau, Cardiff – diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Andrei took his first independent steps at the age of 10, a year later he set himself a challenge to climb 102 floors, equivalent to the height of the Empire State Building, and raised more than £1,500 for Cerebral Palsy Cymru.
Skye Neville, Gwynedd – a 14-year-old environmental campaigner who has inspired young people to take positive action through her campaign of KAPtat – Kids Against Plastic tat – a campaign to remove millions of pieces of pointless plastic from children’s comics. Working with charities, Skye’s campaign has now been adopted by schools nationwide.