'Marathon man' among Make a Difference heroes

Cumbria's "marathon man", a brass band conductor, and an animal rescue charity were among the winners at an award ceremony celebrating people who had made life better for others in their communities.

The BBC Radio Cumbria Make a Difference initiative began during the Covid-19 pandemic to connect those in need with those who could help and continues to highlight those making a difference.

Winners were announced in eight categories, including being a "great neighbour" and a "young hero".

Judges, including Barrow-born England footballer Georgia Stanway, chose from thousands of nominations and the winners were honoured at a ceremony at the Halston Hotel in Carlisle on Sunday.

Catherine Clarke, from Haverigg, has been the conductor of the Holborn Hill Royal Brass Band near Millom for more than 10 years.

Her nomination said: "The band is over 100 years old, and it can only run because of volunteers like her."

Rocco Boyd, from Whitehaven, is co-chair of Pride by the Harbourside, part of Proud and Diverse Cumbria, and Northern Equality and Diversity.

His nomination said: "Rocco stands out because he gives opportunities to others.

"He brings young people into groups, giving them real roles and responsibilities, and supports them to build confidence, learn new skills and take part in decision making."

The Harbour Ladies, from Haverigg, is a group named after the hotel which Janice Brown, Leah Lancaster, Joan Tyson, and Samantha Mayne have made their base.

From there, they have arranged a whole host of fundraising and community events over the past 30 years.

Nigel Goddard, from Whitehaven, is one of the founders of the Whitehaven AFC Strollers walking football team, and is now the treasurer and a referee.

The club has room for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, and his nomination highlighted how his focus was on the community rather than physical side of the team.

Eden Animal Rescue, at Moorlands Head Farm, Penrith, started off 30 years ago as group of friends helping stray cats.

The charity now takes in hundreds of animals in need a year, with volunteers caring for and re-homing them.

Annie Garforth, from Threlkeld, set up the Keswick Binfluencers after seeing so much litter in some of her favourite Lake District spots.

The group is devoted to trying to make the countryside litter-free.

Gary McKee, from Cleator Moor, has been dubbed Cumbria's "marathon man" for his fundraising efforts over the years – completing challenges such as running 365 marathons in 365 days.

Since 2003 he has raised more than £2.5m for both Macmillan cancer support, and Hospice at Home West Cumbria.

ANDYSMANCLUB runs support groups across Cumbria where men can come along and talk about anything that may be worrying them.

It provides a safe space for people to open up.

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