Champions recognised at Make a Difference awards

Eight community champions from across Kent have been honoured at a BBC Make a Difference Awards event.

The winners in each of the eight categories have collected their awards at a sparkling ceremony at Folkestone's Quarterhouse, where the event was hosted by BBC Radio Kent's Breakfast presenter Dominic King.

Now in its fifth year, the Make a Difference Awards honour and recognise those who go the extra mile to improve life across the county.

From the hundreds of nominations submitted, 31 finalists were chosen, with the winners announced on Tuesday night. Award categories included Community Group, Young Hero and Fundraiser.

There was a surprise during the evening with the Active Award being presented by Gaby Roslin live on The One Show on BBC One.

And it was a double win for Stewart Kitching, who picked up an award for The Swale Stroke Group as well as the Volunteer Award.

Stewart had a stroke in 2008 following a 28-year career in the army.

He is now chairman of the The Swale Stroke Group which covers the Isle of Sheppey, Sittingbourne and surrounding villages.

Ben Aldred, who survived a cardiac arrest while playing cricket and whose family won the fundraiser category for raising money to help young people to be screened, said: "Feels incredible to win this award."

Phil Riches, the Environmental category winner, said: "I think the awards encourage people to go outside of their everyday and do something incredible and get noticed for it."

Jaffa, whose owner accepted the Animals award for donating blood to other dogs, said: "It feels amazing for Jaffa to win this award and raises awareness of what Pet Blood Bank UK does."

The full list of Kent winners is:

• Volunteer: After suffering a stroke in 2008, Stewart Kitching won the award as he went on to support others who have survived a stroke and their families.
• Young Hero: Tony Hudgell won the category for his courage, determination and commitment to protecting vulnerable children and has already changed not just one, but two UK laws - Tony's Law and the Child Protection Register. He has also raised over £2m for charities.
• Great Neighbour: Maureen and Alan Waters help fellow residents at Woodlands Park in Biddenden by taking them to appointments, collecting medication, gardening, walking dogs, making phone calls and carrying out DIY work. One of their neighbours lives with motor neurone disease (MND) and they also raise money for the MND Association.
• Active Award: Allstride Collective is an inclusive running community based on the Isle of Sheppey which tackles social isolation and mental health. The group offers a free service which welcomes every pace and ability. Their "Stride to 5" program takes absolute beginners and supports them through a 10-week journey to their first 5K.
• Animal: Pet pooch Jaffa won the award in the animal category for saving the lives of up to 144 other dogs by donating blood 36 times since she was 14 months old. Pet Blood Bank is just like a human blood service, but for dogs, her owner Kayleigh said.
• Environmental: Phil Riches came up with the concept of a Scenic Green Trail in Maidstone during the Covid pandemic when he recognised the importance and health benefits of being out in the countryside. The trail links up public rights of way, spans 42 miles and can be enjoyed in seven manageable sections or as a long-distance walk, making it accessible to people of different abilities.
• Fundraiser: After their son Ben survived a cardiac arrest while playing cricket in Australia, the Aldred Family now raise funds for the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). Ben teamed up with the charity and set up the Ben Aldred MyHeart Fund. Money raised has helped more than 120 people aged between 16 and 34 to be screened.
• Community (supported by Morning Live): The Swale Stroke Group was formed in 2010 by Stewart Kitching who, following a stroke, found there was no stroke support group in the Swale area. It is run by volunteers and is the only social stroke group in the area and is entirely self-funded. The group has helped over 500 people and their families, including bereaved members.

You can hear all of the finalists stories on the iPlayer at BBC Radio Kent - Make a Difference: Kent - Available now.

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