by Sam Hawcroft
It was an emotional night at Scunthorpe’s Baths Hall on Wednesday as people from across East Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire were recognised at the BBC Radio Humberside Make a Difference Awards.
The winner from our region was Hedon’s Katy Smith, founder of Ruben’s Voice, who scooped the Fundraiser award.
Katy, whose organisation raises awareness of mental health and suicide in memory of her son Ruben, who took his own life aged just 18 in 2021, was up against fellow Hedon campaigner Mike Humphreys in the category.
She was visibly moved as she accepted the award from BBC Radio Humberside presenters Kofi Smiles and Carla Green, with Look North host Peter Levy – who judged the shortlist – appearing in a heartfelt video message.
Katy said: “This wouldn’t have happened without everybody else giving and sharing. People need somewhere to go, and they need to know that what Ruben chose is not the right option. We can’t bring him back, but we can try to make sure that nobody else feels like this.”
Holderness was strongly represented across the awards, with other nominees including Annie Gawthorpe from Sigglesthorne, John Pugh and Josh Thompson from Hornsea, Roya Kiani from Thorngumbald, and Beeford’s Andrew Elliker-Reeve.
Though they missed out on the trophies, organisers said that just to be nominated was outstanding recognition of their efforts.
Now in its fourth year, the Make a Difference Awards continue to grow, with BBC Local receiving thousands of nominations from across the country. The awards honour everyday people – and animals – who go above and beyond to make life better for others in their local communities.
The BBC Radio Humberside winners were selected from thousands of nominations by a panel of local judges, including Abid Khan, chairman of the North Lincolnshire Multi-Faith Partnership; Julia Thompson, development executive at East Coast Pictures; Andy Train, chairman of Hull and East Riding LGBTQIA+ Forum, and Lorna Leach, director of community at Tigers Trust.
The Make a Difference initiative began during the Covid-19 pandemic to connect those in need with those who could help. Today, it continues to highlight the incredible efforts of people who are making a lasting difference in their communities.
Maggie Curtis, executive editor at BBC Radio Humberside, said: “At BBC Radio Humberside we love to celebrate our fantastic community every day across our output. But the Make a Difference Awards gives us chance to recognise those who have gone truly above and beyond”.
Chris Burns, head of audio commissioning, said: “Each year, the Make a Difference Awards remind us just how many incredible people are out there quietly transforming lives. The 2025 nominations are as strong as ever with thousands of people nominating unsung heroes and the stories we’ve heard have been truly moving.
“It’s a privilege to celebrate these local heroes and share their stories with our listeners. Thank you to everyone who nominated someone and congratulations to this year’s winners.”
Don’t miss next week’s Gazette for report on the evening and a full interview with Katy.