Skip to content

Local heroes honoured at awards ceremony

Jess Lordand
Elly Fiorentini
News imageJess Lord/BBC A young boy stands next to his mum. The boy has blue eyes, blonde hair and is wearing a smart blue-green tweed suit with a waistcoat and yellow tie. He is smiling and holding a glass award with 'Make A Difference Awards 2025' on it. His mum is wearing a green dress and has long blonde hair and is wearing a silver pendant necklace. She is also smiling. Behind them is a purple backdrop with 'BBC Radio York' on it. Jess Lord/BBC
Mateo Robayna's mum Vicky said his sister would have been "absolutely over the moon" that he had won the award

The young brother of teenage photographer Liz Hatton, who died from cancer last year, was among those recognised at the annual BBC Radio York Make a Difference Awards.

Nine-year-old Mateo Robayna has been fundraising to support research into palliative care for young people who have similar terminal cancers.

The 17-year-old, from Harrogate, died in November from a desmoplastic small round cell tumour after becoming known for her photography bucket list.

Also recognised was Janet Willoner from Boroughbridge for her efforts growing more than 4,000 trees along with cockapoo Jasper, who visits hospices and hospitals in Scarborough.

News imageJess Lord/BBC A white cockapoo sat on a blue chair looking directly at the camera. He is wearing a grey harness. In the background is a glass window and York Racecourse can be seen. Also on the chair with the dog is a glass award that says 'Make A Difference Awards 2025 - Winner'.Jess Lord/BBC
Jasper the cockapoo regularly visits the children's ward at Scarborough Hospital

Make a Difference was set up during the Covid pandemic to recognise and celebrate everyday, unsung heroes.

When asked how he felt after being announced as the winner of the Young Hero Award, Mateo said: "I've never won something like this before.

"I think she (Liz) would be really proud of me being here and raising all the money".

His Mum Vicky added: "Liz would have been absolutely over the moon.

"To see him recognised after such an incredibly tricky year is just unbelievable. I'm so grateful."

Actress Ella Maisy Purvis, who judged the category, told Mateo in a video message: "Your courage and bravery and empathy shines through - Liz would be endlessly proud of you and you should be endlessly proud of yourself."

Mateo won the Young Hero Award at the BBC Radio York 2025 Make a Difference Awards

Ms Willoner, who received the Green Award, started growing trees in 2019 when her grandchildren took part in climate demonstrations.

The 81-year-old said: "I was really concerned about the state of our beautiful planet and what we've done to it.

"I wanted to do something that would, in some way, help to restore it".

A new award for 2025 was the Active Award, which was won by gold medal winning Special Olympian Matthew Brough for his voluntary work visiting schools to inspire children to achieve their goals.

The 23-year-old, from York, said: "I am over the moon, I am so proud of myself.

"It was quite difficult when I was a bit younger - I'm so proud to have turned that around with positivity.

"I just like helping other people achieve their dreams".

News imageCharlie Appleton/BBC Two men are stood next to each other. On the right is a young smiling man with short brown hair, who is wearing a white shirt, grey waistcoat and dark grey tie. He is holding a glass award that says 'BBC Make A Difference Awards 2025 - Winner'. Next to him is an older man wearing a burgundy jumper over a white shirt. He is also smiling. Behind them is a backdrop that says 'BBC Radio York' and also 'BBC Make A Difference'. Charlie Appleton/BBC
Matthew Brough (right) was presented with his award by Mike Tomlinson, who founded the Run For All charity in memory of his wife Jane

During the ceremony at York Racecourse, there was a moment of thanks for volunteers, farmers and firefighters involved in the recent moorland fires.

A table of twelve, made up of farmers, firefighters and fundraisers, were asked to stand by host Joanita Musisi to receive a round of applause.

Jonathan Dyson, North Yorkshire Fire Service's chief fire officer, said: "In this event, everybody has come together and I am extremely proud and privileged to lead an organisation that helps its people, helps its communities, and also where communities rally to support us as well."

Volunteer firefighter Ian Thompson described the blaze as "devastating".

He added: "I was born and bred at May Becks which is about the only bit of moorland left on that side.

"My Dad was the first one to be evacuated from his house. It's been quite challenging personally - as well as fire brigade-wise".

Reflecting on being invited to the Make a Difference event, he said it was "very humbling.

"It's not just us - it's everybody that's been on the fire ground - it's been a massive team effort".

News imageJESS LORD/BBC NEWS Seven people are stood in two lines. Five men at the back - four wearing white shirts with black ties, with one in full fire officer dress uniform, wearing four medals. Two women are stood at the front - also in white shirts with black ties. All have 'North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service' printed on their shirts on the left hand side - above a pocket. All are smiling and are stood in front of a brown wall.JESS LORD/BBC NEWS
Some of the North Yorkshire Fire Service team

Full list of BBC Radio York Make A Difference 2025 winners:

  • Volunteer Award - an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others. Rachael Wilson from Selby
  • Young Hero Award - someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional. Mateo Robayna from Harrogate
  • Great Neighbour Award - an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness. Jean Illingworth from Kirkbymoorside
  • Active Award - an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community. Matthew Brough from York
  • Animal Award - an animal that improves the life of an individual or group of people. Or, a person or group of people working with animals to improve animal welfare. Jasper the cockapoo and Gill Booth from Scarborough
  • Green Award - an individual or group of people who help to make where we live more environmentally friendly and better for nature. Janet Willoner from Boroughbridge
  • Fundraiser Award - an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause. Zak Raynor from Hirst Courtney
  • Community Group Awardsupported by BBC Morning Live - awarded to a group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within their community. Chocolate & Co from York

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be coveringhere.