Two people from the Stroud district have been recognised for making an outstanding contribution to their communities at the BBC Radio Gloucestershire Make a Difference Awards 2026.

Maizee Philipson, from Nailsworth, won the Young Hero Award, while Chrissie Lowery, from Stroud, was named the recipient of the Great Neighbour Award.

The pair were among eight individuals and groups from across Gloucestershire celebrated at a ceremony held at Pittville Pump Room in Cheltenham on Friday, September 4. The awards recognise people who go above and beyond to make a difference to others in their local communities.

Why the Stroud district winners were recognised

Maizee Philipson was recognised for bringing positivity and beauty to her experience of living with epilepsy through pageants and for supporting other people.

Chrissie Lowery, a survivor of domestic abuse, was honoured after setting up The Angel Project. The project supports other people affected by domestic abuse.

The awards brought recognition to community work across the county, with winners selected by a panel of local judges including Cordell Ray MBE, Florence Nyasamo, Rosie Levy and Jon Smith.

Other Gloucestershire award winners

The other 2026 winners represented a wide range of volunteering, environmental, fundraising, animal welfare and community work.

  • Volunteer Award: Sam McHillary, from Gloucester, a volunteer with Severn Area Rescue Association in Tewkesbury.
  • Active Award: Emma Jones, a teacher recognised for running an inclusive rugby club in Norton.
  • Animal Award: Vicki Oliver, founder of Brockworth Hedgehog Rescue, who has cared for hedgehogs for more than 10 years and expects to look after around 1,000 hedgehogs this year.
  • Environmental Award: Rob Hopkins, who has spent 20 years litter picking in Cheltenham town centre.
  • Fundraiser Award: Claire and John Smith, from Gloucester, who have raised more than £70,000 to support families affected by child loss following the stillbirth of their son Jamie.
  • Community Group Award: Toucan for Children, a Forest of Dean charity using play and creative arts to support children experiencing emotional difficulties.

How the Make a Difference Awards began

The ceremony was hosted by BBC Radio Gloucestershire breakfast presenter Jon Smith, who described it as “a huge highlight of my year”. He said the event provided an opportunity to share stories of people from across the county who quietly help others in their daily lives.

“I’m delighted we can all come together to share some brilliant stories of people from across the county. We all know those day-to-day heroes who go above and beyond, doing their bit, quietly getting on with it. We’re celebrating them.”

Now in its fifth year, the Make a Difference Awards have continued to grow, with BBC Local receiving thousands of nominations from across the country.

The initiative began during the Covid-19 pandemic, when it was originally intended to connect people in need with those able to offer support. It has since developed into a nationwide awards programme celebrating individuals, community groups and animals making a lasting difference in their local areas.

Carly Appleby, executive editor at BBC Radio Gloucestershire, said the awards highlighted the community spirit across the county.

“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.”

Chris Burns, head of audio commissioning, said the standard of nominations had been exceptional and that the stories had demonstrated compassion, resilience and community spirit.

“Every year, the BBC Local Make a Difference Awards reveal the incredible efforts of people who go above and beyond to support those around them. The calibre of nominations this year has been exceptional, and we’ve been deeply moved by the many stories of compassion, resilience and community spirit.”

He added that the BBC was proud to recognise the individuals and groups involved and give them the appreciation they deserved.