3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Carmarthenshire BBC Make a Difference Awards nominees
People who have made an extraordinary impact on their communities have been recognised in the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards 2025.
The awards, which were launched in Wales for the first time this year, celebrate those who have gone above and beyond for others.
Out of more than 700 nominees, 32 finalists have been shortlisted across eight categories, with several representing Carmarthenshire.
Among them are Katy Yeandle and Emma Rees, who have been recognised in the fundraiser award category.
They started the charity Joseph's Smile in memory of Joseph, who died from neuroblastoma cancer in December 2021 at the age of three.
The charity has raised half a million pounds, providing medical equipment and treatment for children.
Another Carmarthenshire resident, Kaz Jefferies, also features in the fundraiser award category.
She has spent a decade volunteering for the Llanelli Deaf Centre, raising money through mountain climbs, abseils, zip lines, and head shaves.
Louise Chodeka is a finalist for the volunteer award.
She runs a breastfeeding support group in Llandeilo, which she started 18 years ago as a single mum.
Her efforts have provided help and support for many new mothers and their babies.
In the young hero award category, Alys Davies has been recognised after losing her leg in an accident at the age of eight.
Determined not to give up on her passion for dancing, she returned to the dance floor with the help of her prosthetic leg, proving an inspiration to everyone around her.
Lucy Owen, of BBC Radio Wales, 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, of BBC Radio Cymru, 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 winners will be announced at the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards ceremony on September 20 in Cardiff.
