Kirby Hill woman wins BBC Make a Difference award

A woman from Kirby Hill near Boroughbridge has won a top award for her volunteer work.

Norma Jenner has won the Volunteer Award at the prestigious BBC Radio York Make a Difference Awards 2026.

Norma has volunteered all her life and is a table tennis playing nonagenarian. She supports people who might be lonely.

She runs the table tennis club, the bridge club and volunteers two days a week at Oxfam in Boroughbridge.

Eight remarkable individuals from across York and North Yorkshire have been honoured at the BBC Radio York Make a Difference Awards 2026, recognising their outstanding contribution to local communities.

The winners were celebrated at a special awards ceremony held at York Racecourse last week, where their inspiring stories of kindness, resilience and selfless dedication were recognised in front of celebrities, family, friends and community supporters. 

They were joined by Gaby Roslin who hosts a weekly Make a Difference radio Show for the BBC.

Gaby is also part of the presentation team at BBC Morning Live.

Now in its fifth 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 York winners were selected by a panel of local judges, including Joe Fishburn (2025 Gladiator winner), Beth Nixon (Coronation Street), Matthew Wolfenden (Hollyoaks and former Emmerdale star), Lottie McGuinness (Para powerlifter) Axel Brown (former Olympian bobsleigh), and Peter Wright (Yorkshire TV Vet.

The awards were presented by BBC Radio’s Georgey Spanswick and Joanita Musisi  as part of a series of 40 ceremonies – including the BBC Nations taking place across the UK.

Rob Dowell, Executive Editor at BBC Radio York, said: "The Make A Difference Awards are a great example of how we celebrate people in North Yorkshire who really deserve recognition.

“It’s a privilege for BBC Radio York to be able to shine a spotlight on individuals and groups who make our part of the world that little bit better."

Chris Burns, Head of Audio Commissiong said: “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.

“We're proud to recognise these extraordinary individuals and give them the appreciation they so richly deserve.

“Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination and congratulations to all of our deserving winners."

Other BBC Radio York winners were: The Young Hero Award – Autumn Boyle – Helperby; The Great Neighbour Award – Chris Ford – Glaisdale; The Active Award – Louise Prashad - Raskelf near Easingwold; Animal Award – Bronte the Therapy Dog – York; Environmental Award –Darren Mancrief and Grow Scarborough; Fundraiser Award – CainNorth (posthumous) – York; Community Group Award – Graham Porter and Dads Behaving Madly – Scarborough.