BBC Make A Difference Awards 2025

The BBC event, held at Lingfield Park Racecourse, 22nd September saw awards given in eight categories, Community Group, Fundraiser, Young Hero, Green, Active, Volunteer, Great Neighbour and Animal.
Judges included Olympian Sally Gunnell, survival expert Ray Mears and MP Nusrat Ghani.
The awards spotlight individuals and groups who go above and beyond for others.
Although we did not win our respective categories, we were presented with a 'Highly Commended' award.
The winners of the Fundraiser & Animal categories were:
Fundraiser: John McCutchan who, for over 50 years, has opened The Arlington Bluebell Walk to the public, raising more than £1m for local charities. Now nearly 90, John still works tirelessly — supplying refreshments, offering free mobility scooters, and even topping up donations when visitor numbers are low. He continues this remarkable tradition in memory of his late wife Carolyn.
Animal: Simon Wild, West Sussex Wildlife Protection, a wildlife rescuer whose dedication knows no bounds, responding to calls day and night to help animals across the area. Simon is the go-to name on local forums and has saved countless creatures, sometimes putting himself at risk. A recent 3am rescue of a fox ended with a trip to A&E.
A full list of the winners can be found on the BBC Radio Sussex Make a Difference Awards.
Click on the file below to listen to the BBC Make A Difference interview with members of the Bexhill 100 MC
Click on the file below to listen to the BBC Make A Difference interview with Alan and his dog Maggi

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