Honouring local heroes who make a difference

People who make life better for others have been honoured at this year's BBC Radio Leeds Make a Difference Awards.

The awards were set up during the Covid pandemic to recognise and celebrate our unsung heroes.

This year's winners included a kind and courageous cub, an Everest-scaling fundraiser and a domestic abuse survivor empowering other women.

The award ceremony took place at Royal Armouries in Leeds and was hosted by BBC Radio Leeds presenter Gayle Lofthouse.

Dr Shaunna Burke, from Addingham, Bradford, received the Fundraising Award after dedicating her life to cancer research.

A psychologist at the University of Leeds, Dr Burke studies how physical exercise can help patients prepare for treatment and surgery.

After being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in 2024, she had a double mastectomy, liver surgery and radiotherapy.

She has used her own body as part of her research, becoming the first woman with incurable cancer to summit Mount Everest in April.

Macmillan Cancer Support accepted the award on her behalf and representative Amanda Smith said: "[We are] so proud that she's been recognised for this.

"For somebody with stage four cancer to be climbing Mount Everest and now in Nepal, climbing another one of the eight highest mountains, is just phenomenal.

"She is an inspiration, not only with fundraising, but the research she does as well."

Former England rugby union player Mike Tindall, the judge for the award, said Shaunna had "courage, resilience and a generosity of spirit that really embodies the heart of this award".

Ten-year-old Harry Evans, who has faced challenges with his health including an intensive course of treatment for brain cancer, received the Young Hero Award.

Despite experiencing difficulties with his balance, Harry, who also relies on hearing aids, is a committed member of the Cubs, inspiring others with his positive outlook and actions.

He was also recognised for his attitude through a prestigious scouting award at Windsor Castle in 2025.

In a message to other children, who want to fundraise like him, Harry said: "Just follow your heart."

Bradford comedian and writer Jack Carroll, the judge for the award, said: "Harry's a winner that has displayed courage, perseverance and a willingness to take on new challenges despite facing some very difficult ones himself."

In the Volunteer category, winner Jade Lee said: "I just really did not expect that at all."

Jade founded a not-for-profit organisation in Dewsbury called Healing Sisters, which is dedicated to supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence.

After surviving an abusive relationship herself, she used it to help others and created a safe, welcoming space for women to come without fear or judgement.

"It was nine years ago this month that me and my children were in a refuge and we didn't have anything at all and how things have just turned round," she added.

"I hope there's somebody watching or listening that is going through that situation and can see that things can get better."

Anita Rani, Bradford-born judge of the category and TV and radio presenter, described her as "someone who took incredibly difficult circumstances in their own life and turned it into a strength to support and empower other women".

The West Yorkshire winners were each selected by a celebrity judge in their category, who have links to the county.

Bradford-born TV presenter and singer Kimberley Walsh judged the Community Group Award and said: "These nominees are unsung heroes that are not asking for the recognition, but they deserve it."

Ellie Kildunne MBE, a rugby union player from Keighley, judged the Active Award and said: "Sport and being active really does change people's lives. You've got the power to inspire people to do some amazing things."

Community Group Award - awarded to a group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within their community: SEN Parent Support Groupand Andrea Dixon-Boldy in Kirklees

Animal Award - an animal that improves the life of an individual or group of people, or a person or group of people working with animals to improve animal welfare: Sue Shaw and Huddersfield Badgers

Fundraiser Award - an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause: Dr Shaunna Burke, from Ilkley, andDying to Climb.

Young Hero Award - someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional: Harry Evans, from Wakefield

Great Neighbour Award - an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness: Kate Wormald-Smith, from Leeds

Active Award - an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community: Suffia Hussain, from Project on Guard in Bradford

Environmental Award - awarded to an individual or group of people who help to make where they live more environmentally friendly and better for nature: EPIKS in Kirklees

Volunteer Award - an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others: Jade Lee, from Dewsbury

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.