Wales Recognizes Local Heroes at BBC Make a Difference Awards
On September 20, 2026, the BBC Make a Difference Awards honored eight winners in Wales for their significant community contributions. The event recognized efforts in various categories, including fundraising and environmental activism. Notable winners included Noa-Rose Alderman, a young meningitis survivor, and Ted Williams, who transformed public land into a wildlife garden. The awards highlighted the inspiring work of community members across Wales.
The BBC Make a Difference Awards honored eight individuals and groups from across Wales on September 20, 2026. Held at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff, the ceremony followed a selection process involving nearly 500 nominations. Winners included seven-year-old Noa-Rose Alderman from Caerphilly, named Young Hero of the Year for her work with Meningitis Now, and Ted Williams, who took home the Environmental Award for his efforts at Parc y Betws in Carmarthenshire.
Noa-Rose Alderman is a meningitis survivor who has raised thousands of pounds for charity. Her initiatives included a climb of Pen y Fan to increase awareness of the illness. The judges remarked on the resilience shown by all the young nominees this year. Bronwen Lewis, who served as a judge, noted the inspiring quality of the entries and praised Noa-Rose for her dedication to fundraising and her community.
Ted Williams received recognition for transforming neglected tennis courts and the surrounding land into a community garden and wildlife space at Parc y Betws. His project brought together local residents, schools, and businesses to focus on sustainable gardening. Judge Joe Wilkins spoke about the necessity of nature champions in Wales, describing the project as a testament to the benefits of the natural world for community well-being.
Other winners included Emma Parry from Swansea, honored for her work with the Calon ADHD Project, and Dylan Allman from Blaenau Gwent for the Be Hedgehog Aware campaign. The Community Group Award was presented to The Queer Emporium in Cardiff, while Sally Thomas was named Great Neighbour for her support of local residents. Kaz Jefferies received the Volunteer Award for her work at the Llanelli Centre for the Deaf.
Presenters Lucy Owen of BBC Radio Wales and Caryl Parry Jones of BBC Radio Cymru hosted the event, which highlighted the work of people dedicated to their local areas. Garmon Rhys, interim director of BBC Cymru Wales, offered his congratulations to the winners and nominees, mentioning the impact their work has had throughout Wales. The ceremony reflected a broader spirit of service and the contributions made by individuals across the country.
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