Wales’ unsung community heroes have been honoured at the BBC Make a Difference Awards in Wales 2026.
The BBC Make a Difference Awards celebrate acts of kindness and extraordinary contributions, recognising people who go above and beyond to support others and strengthen their local communities.
At a special ceremony held at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff on Saturday (19 September 2026), BBC Radio Wales’ Lucy Owen and BBC Radio Cymru’s Caryl Parry Jones presented this year’s winners with their trophies.
Chosen from almost 500 nominations, 32 finalists were shortlisted, with eight outstanding winners selected by a special judging panel, including BAFTA-winning actress Rakie Ayola, BBC Radio 2 Early Breakfast Show host Owain Wyn Evans, ecologist and environmental campaigner Joe Wilkins, undisputed welterweight world champion and Olympic gold medallist Lauren Price, comedian and BBC Radio Wales presenter Robin Morgan, content creator and BBC Asian Network presenter Bablu Shikdar, designer, zookeeper and television presenter Anna Ryder Richardson, and BBC Radio Wales presenter and singer-songwriter Bronwen Lewis.
Among the winners is Ted Williams, who received the Environmental Award for transforming neglected tennis courts and surrounding land at Parc y Betws in Carmarthenshire into a thriving wildlife and community garden. Category judge Joe Wilkins said: “Wales is facing an environmental crisis, and we need champions for nature and our connection to the world around us. This year’s winner has demonstrated the incredible power of nature for our wellbeing and healing. Not only in their own life, but by then sharing that experience with others in their community.”
Also honoured is seven-year-old Noa-Rose Alderman, who won the Young Hero Award for transforming her experience as a meningitis survivor into a mission to raise awareness and thousands of pounds for charity. Category judge Bronwen Lewis said: “I’ve had the absolute honour and privilege of choosing a winner from the Young Hero category this year. And it was really hard to decide on a winner because every single young person deserved an award. The unbelievable effort, the resilience, the determination, the fundraising going on, it’s just so inspiring, so well done to everyone who was nominated. But a huge well done and da iawn to our star of a winner, Noa-Rose Alderman– keep fundraising and keep doing that fantastic work.”
Garmon Rhys, Interim Director of BBC Cymru Wales, said: “I would like to congratulate the amazing winners of this year’s awards and everyone who was shortlisted. With almost 500 nominations received, it’s clear that Wales is home to an extraordinary number of people who are making a positive difference in their communities and improving the lives of others.”
2026 Winners:
The Active Award – 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.
The Animal Award – Dylan Allman, Blaenau Gwent – A chance 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) – The Queer Emporium, Cardiff – Described as “the heartbeat of the city’s LGBTQ+ community”, offers everything from a welcoming café and bookshop space to inclusive activities including queer speed dating, comedy nights and craft clubs.
The Environmental Award – Ted Williams, Carmarthenshire – Ted has dedicated his time to transforming neglected tennis courts and surrounding areas of Parc y Betws, turning it into a thriving wildlife and community garden. His work brings together local residents, volunteers, schools and businesses, while promoting sustainable gardening practices.
The Fundraiser Award – Ray Roberts, Rhondda Cynon Taf – Ray has devoted more than 45 years to organising charity events, raising thousands of pounds for causes including cancer care, dementia support, and local hospitals.
The Great Neighbour Award – Sally Thomas, Merthyr Tydfil – Sally goes above and beyond to help others in her community, taking neighbours to appointments and offering much-needed emotional support. She is always ready to lend a hand, generously giving her time to care for others when they’re ill, injured or facing difficult times.
The Volunteer Award – Kaz Jefferies, Carmarthenshire – After losing her hearing as an adult and learning British Sign Language, Kaz helps run the Llanelli Centre for the Deaf and dedicates many hours each week to volunteering. The Centre teaches BSL to people of all ages and provides a supportive space for deaf and hearing communities to come together.
The Young Hero Award – 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.
