Finalists revealed for Make a Difference Awards

A therapy pony called Charlie, a circus group offering free lessons to the over 50s, and an organisation tackling period poverty are among this year's shortlisted nominees for BBC Three Counties Radio's Make a Difference Awards.

The awards celebrate the people, organisations - and animals - across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire who make life better for others. Across the UK, thousands of people have been recognised for going the extra mile since the awards began in 2022.

This year's event will be hosted by Breakfast Show presenter, Andy Collins.

He said: "I love these awards. They're a brilliant opportunity to say thank you to those who deserve some recognition. Their stories are an inspiration and it's so good to be able to shine a spotlight on them."

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 28 September at Grove Theatre in Dunstable.

So who are our shortlisted finalists?

Generation Circus: improving mobility and self confidence through free circus skills in Ware for the over 50s.

John Harris: founder of Baldock Run Talk Run, which aims to make movement and mental health support less intimidating, and more accessible.

LeeAnna's Wish: St Albans based community project which set up 'Empower Women's Football', a non competitive club for all ages and fitness levels.

Wayne Martinig: founder of Recovery Runners in Aylesbury, a running group for people recovering from addiction, mental health issues, illness or injury.

Charlie the therapy pony: a miniature Shetland who visits schools, care homes and those nearing end of their life.

Karen Bird: Karen's Care Home in Bedfordshire provides 'forever fostering' for ill and disabled dogs.

Huxley: a therapy dog who helps prevent panic attacks for his teenage owner and spotted breast cancer in her mum.

Sharwood: Sharwood the Gordon Setter has helped up to 180 other dogs by donating 45 pints of blood to the charity Pet Blood Bank.

Dan Gaze Support Service: Dan's own experiences of exclusion and the criminal justice system have made him passionate about supporting young people to fulfil their potential.

Girl Pack: a Milton Keynes based volunteer-led charity tackling period poverty.

Mission EmployAble: increasing employability for young people with learning disabilities in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Wycombe Multi Cultural Organisation: fostering strong community cohesion within the High Wycombe area and providing education, health and well-being services for the African/Caribbean community.

Bedford Repair Cafe: a volunteer-led community group who meet up to help people fix their possessions instead of throwing them away.

Dan's Community Group: improving their community in Buckinghamshire by litter picking, sign cleaning and clearing overgrown areas.

Dunstable in Bloom: encouraging residents, businesses and schools to take up gardening and improve their local community with floral displays.

Ray Wilson: former headteacher Ray created Green Care at Norton to support vulnerable adults through horticulture.

Andy Jones: Andy raised money for the Hertfordshire-based charity Teens Unite while being terminally ill with a brain tumour. He completed the three peaks challenge virtually by climbing his stairs.

David Bateson: David founded Ampthill vs Cancer which has just celebrated its second annual 5K event with 1400 runners taking part.

Marshall Exler: TikTok influencer Marshall raises funds and awareness for Sarcoma UK following the death of his 24-year-old wife Faye.

Richard Hill: farmer Richard organises an annual Christmas tractor run in Hertfordshire for Garden House Hospice care, attracting more than 50,000 spectators.

Archie McCormack: the 13-year-old keeps a daily check on his elderly neighbours in Welwyn Garden City.

Damian Gaskin: set up Monday Suppers at Christ Church in St Albans to bring neighbours together.

Eileen Sexton-Adams: Eileen goes above and beyond at Elvira's cafe in Abbots Langley to keep people connected.

Kay Johal: Kay has been a Samaritan in Luton for almost 10 years.

Mark Elliot: fellow volunteers describe Mark as a driving force in saving and protecting the future of Luton Library Theatre.

Michelle Robinson-Boyce: responsible for the creation of a scout group in Buckinghamshire specifically adapted for those with special educational needs.

Rose Forde: Rose founded Street Fathers Luton, to raise awareness about the dangers of youth violence and offer real pathways to change.

Barley Barkway Federation First School: pupils have established real friendships with care home residents at Margaret House who call them their 'joy makers'.

Eilah Giles: 10-year-old rugby player Eilah walked 895 miles to raise money for the Rugby mental health charity Looseheadz.

Evie Everett: 11-year-old Evie is an ambassador for the child bereavement charity Stand by Me following the death of her dad when she was four.

Zanna Orunsolu: 10-year-old Zanna has written books on cookery, coding and Shakespeare and is passionate about encouraging other young people to read.

For more information about the awards, full terms and our privacy notice, please visit the BBC Make a Difference website.

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