Sussex and Surrey heroes honoured at the 2026 Make a Difference Awards

The first awards in Sussex and Surrey took place in 2011 and are an annual fixture in the calendar, honouring those who go above and beyond to make life better for others.  

The winners were celebrated at a special awards ceremony held at The Chequer Mead Theatre in East Grinstead, where their inspiring stories of kindness, resilience and selfless dedication were recognised in front of family, friends and supporters.

The winners were selected by a panel of local judges, including Amanda Collier from the most recent series of The Traitors, and Homes Under The Hammer presenter Jacqui Joseph.

The awards were hosted by presenters Danny Pike and Allison Ferns on September 22, as part of a series of forty ceremonies taking place across the UK.

2026 Make A Difference Awards categories and winners

• The Volunteer Award – Juliet Fielder from Hastings is recognised posthumously for turning her diagnosis of stage 4 incurable lung cancer into a powerful campaign to help others.
• The Young Hero Award – Zac Knight from Leatherhead is recognised for his fundraising and awareness-raising for the charity, Young Epilepsy, after being diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of eight.
• The Great Neighbour Award – Jane Slipper from Slinfold is recognised for more than 45 years of service to her village, doing a long list of things including setting up a Cosy Café for those in need, a mum’s group, building a playground and being a very active parish councillor.
• The Active Award – Pauline Draper is recognised for her long-standing work creating inclusive swimming opportunities for disabled people across Mid Sussex.
• The Animal Award – Nathan Harman runs Horsham Wildlife Rescue, responding day and night to animals in need across Sussex and Surrey. Nathan’s dedication, modesty and instinctive care have helped save countless animals.
• The Environmental Award – Rachel Wood is recognised for creating ‘Eco Earlswood’ near Redhill, bringing local people together to care for their environment and community.
• The Fundraiser Award – Diana Levantine is recognised for more than 30 years of fundraising and leadership with the Sussex Snowdrop Trust, which supports local children with life-limiting and terminal illnesses and their families.
• The Community Group Award – Befriended is recognised for its work tackling loneliness and isolation among older people in Mid Sussex, including Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Lindfield, Hassocks, Hurstpierpoint, Ditchling, and Cuckfield. (Supported by BBC Morning Live)  

Vicki Berry, executive editor at BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Radio Surrey said: “Once again, we were inundated with stories of inspiring people from across the region. It is a true privilege to be able to shine a light on their amazing contributions to society.”

Mark Carter, executive producer for BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Radio Surrey added: “I put on our first Awards in 2011. Fifteen years on, and the calibre of all our finalists and winners remains incredible.”

Mims Davies, who is the MP for East Grinstead and Uckfield and used to work for the radio station attended the ceremony, said: “I’m so honoured to have this amazing event in my constituency. I’ve been grinning with pride at all the amazing stories. The power of local radio really matters.”

Chris Burns, head of audio commissioning, added: “Every year, the BBC Local Make A Difference Awards reveal the incredible efforts of people who go above and beyond to support those around them.

“The calibre of nominations this year has been exceptional, and we've been deeply moved by the many stories of compassion, resilience and community spirit.”