With award season in full swing, we’ve been incredibly proud to see some of our amazing supporters recognised at the BBC Make a Difference Awards in both Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire.

These special events showcase the dedication of volunteers and fundraisers across the counties, and they’ve quickly become a highlight of our year.

A huge congratulations goes to little Sylvie, who fundraises for the Oxford Children’s Hospital and won the Young Hero Award, and to Hollie Benson and her family, long-standing supporters of the Silver Star Maternity Fund, who took home the Fundraiser Award.

We were also so proud to see Josh Dixon from Northampton, a finalist on the night. Despite facing enormous health challenges, including undergoing open-heart surgery five times at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Josh fundraised for the Oxford Heart Centre by taking on running challenges.

Laura King, Head of Fundraising for Oxford Hospitals Charity, said:

“It is wonderful that everyone’s efforts and contributions have been recognised – congratulations to Sylvie and Hollie on their awards. We’re also incredibly proud of Josh for his fundraising and for being honoured as a finalist. We’re really grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate the incredible people who support our local hospitals by nominating them for these awards.”

Maggie Findlay from our Silver Star Maternity Fund added: "We are so grateful to Hollie and her wonderful team for such long-term dedication - their years of effort have made a real difference to maternity services in Oxfordshire and we are thrilled to see their efforts recognised through this award."

Please do join us in saying a great big thank you to Sylvie, Hollie, Josh and all those nominated - who do such incredible work across our hospitals and local community - you really do help make a difference day in, day out. 

If this has inspired you to make a difference why not look at our Exciting Fundraising Ideas for Hospital Support