Hertfordshire girl who hands out chemo bags is in radio final
The awards, which began in 2022 across local radio, celebrate those making a positive contribution to their communities.A fitness group which combines exercise with good deeds and a bikers' group which works to help people facing poverty are among those shortlisted in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.BBC Three Counties Radio breakfast presenter Andy Collins, who hosts the awards, said: "They're a wonderful way of saying thank you to those who are going above and beyond."I'm always humbled by the finalists, who all seem to underestimate the effect they have on those around them."
Jade Cook from Spectrum Performing Arts has been nominated for creating a space for children and adults with often complex additional needs.She said: "It's wonderful to be recognised for something I believe is so important for society; for everyone to be included."Luton Sikh Soup Kitchen is also in the final. It has handed out 15,000 meals in the town centre since it started in November 2021.Therapy dog Ralph, who is deaf and partially sighted, visits hospital wards in Hertfordshire.His owner Helen Lomax says patients are so keen to see him, that he is the incentive for getting people out of bed and dressed. Ralph is shortlisted for the Animal Award.
COMMUNITY AWARDAylesbury Sew and So'sForget-Me-Not-Dementia Volunteer Service (Hertfordshire)Luton Sikh Soup KitchenKaotic Angel Foundation (Stevenage)FUNDRAISER AWARDGiles Cuthbert (Flackwell Heath, Buckinghamshire)Sandra Jeffs (High Wycombe)Ian Milne (Studham, Bedfordshire)Putnoe Scouts (Bedford)GREEN AWARDZoe Riley (Dunstable, Bedfordshire)Friends of People's Park (Luton)Richard Walker (Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire)Community Trees MK (Milton Keynes)ACTIVE AWARDScott Walker (Hertfordshire)Ros Cramps (Herts Disability Sports Foundation)Jade Cook (Spectrum Performing Arts in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire)GoodGym (Luton)GREAT NEIGHBOUR AWARDJoan Sykes (Bourne End, Buckinghamshire)George Maxted (Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire)Kevin Poulton (Luton)Stef Muzz (Ridgmont, Bedfordshire)VOLUNTEER AWARDSaundra Glenn (Luton)Christine Blackett (Watford)Kenny Joe Witney (Biggleswade, Bedfordshire)Jan Hale (Milton Keynes)YOUNG HEROEvie-May StevensFrankie PickupOwain WilksLexie TrimANIMAL AWARDSamantha Wenn and Chester the horse (Bedfordshire)Ralph the therapy dogJenna Jones (Rehoming Animal Telephone Service, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire)Oaklands Small Mammal Rescue (St Albans)The story of each finalist will be broadcast on BBC Three Counties Radio over the summer, with the winners announced at a ceremony at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable on 18 September.
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