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Hedgehog carer and teen pageant star among winners

Chris Sandysat the Pittville Pump Room in Cheltenham
News imageBBC A group of award winners sit and stand on a stage with a purple backdrop. They are all smiling at the camera and each holds an award. BBC
Awards host and breakfast show presenter Jon Smith called the winners "day-to-day heroes"

A hedgehog rescue founder, teen pageant star and rugby coach for children with special educational needs have been honoured for their contribution to the community.

They scooped the top prizes in the Animal, Young Hero and Active award categories at the BBC Radio Gloucestershire Make a Difference Awards.

At the award ceremony on Friday at the Pittville Pump Room in Cheltenham celebrities including comedians Bridget Christie and Dom Joly, TV host Edith Bowman and actor William Moseley announced the winners.

Awards host and breakfast show presenter Jon Smith said: "We all know those day-to-day heroes who go above and beyond, doing their bit, quietly getting on with it and tonight we're celebrating them."

News imageVicki, who wears a black dress with flowers on it, smiles at the camera. Behind her is a BBC Radio Gloucestershire backdrop and purple and silver balloons.
Vicki Oliver said it was amazing to be recognised

Gloucester-born comedian Bridget Christie selected the Animal Award winner, Vicki Oliver who founded Brockworth Hedgehog Rescue a decade ago.

Oliver said it was normal for her to volunteer for six to eight hours every day outside of her day job and predicts she will care for 1,000 hogs this year.

The hedgehog rescuer said: "I didn't expect to win, it's what I do everyday, for me it's just my passion.

"It's amazing to be recognised, but for me it's my day job."

Christie told the awards ceremony audience her decision had been based on the "absolute sheer passion and commitment [Vicki] has shown over a number of years to this cause".

"It is absolutely mind-blowing what she has done," she added.

News imageMaizee Philipson receives her award from BBC Radio Gloucestershire presenter Graham Rogers on stage at the Make a Difference Awards, She is smiling broadly.
Maizee Philipson won the Young Hero award

The winner of the Young Hero award was 16-year-old Maizee Philipson.

She said: "I'm actually really shocked.

"I've been doing pageants for six years but I started with Epilepsy Action nearly eight years ago and that's just crazy to say."

The eight winners of the Radio Gloucestershire Make a Difference Awards 2026 were:

  • The Volunteer Award: Sam McHillary, a volunteer with the Severn Area Rescue Association
  • The Young Hero Award: Maizee Philipson for bringing beauty to her epilepsy diagnosis through pageants and support
  • The Great Neighbour Award: Chrissie Lowery, a survivor of domestic abuse celebrated for The Angel Project which she set-up
  • The Active Award: Emma Jones, a teacher nominated for her efforts to run an inclusive rugby club in Norton
  • The Animal Award: Vicki Oliver, who founded Brockworth Hedgehog Rescue more than 10 years ago and is expecting to care for 1,000 hogs this year
  • The Environmental Award: Rob Hopkins, a dedicated litter picker who's been cleaning up Cheltenham town centre for 20 years
  • The Fundraiser Award: Claire and John Smith, who are using fundraising to heal from heartbreak and have raised more than £70,000 to support other families through child loss
  • The Community Group Award: Toucan for Children, a charity which uses play and creative arts to help traumatised children

They were chosen from 32 finalists who walked the red carpet for BBC Radio Gloucestershire's annual awards.

Awards host Jon Smith, described the event as "a huge highlight of my year".

"I'm delighted we can all come together to share some brilliant stories of people from across the county," he said.

Carly Appleby, the radio station's executive editor, said: "The Make a Difference Awards are a powerful reminder of the kindness, generosity and community spirit that exists in Gloucestershire.

"I'm so glad we've had the opportunity to recognise and celebrate our unsung heroes this year."

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