On Monday 30 November 2020, BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Radio Surrey gave a special posthumous ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ to Matt Ratana during the ‘2020 Make A Difference Heroes Awards’.

During the virtual awards evening, Andy Poole, President of East Grinstead RFC accepted this wonderful accolade on Matt's behalf presented by BBC radio presenters, Danny Pike and Allison Ferns.

Andy spoke of Matt’s efforts, dedication and commitment to East Grinstead RFC and talked about his humorous side and devotion to his partner Su, policing and sport. Tomorrow morning (1 December 2020), Andy will be giving a live reaction interview on BBC Radio Sussex 95.3, 104.5 and 104.8FM at 8.00am.

Listeners will have three opportunities to hear the Awards ceremony on the radio: Sunday 6 December at 5pm, Boxing Day 26 December at 6am and New Year’s Day at 6pm.

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BBC Media Release - Monday 30 November 2020
Winners Crowned in the 2020 BBC Radio Sussex Make A Difference Heroes Awards

BBC Radio Sussex has celebrated a group of amazing people from across the county in the radio station’s tenth Make A Difference Heroes Awards.

Hundreds of nominations were received in categories including Good Neighbour, Young Achiever and Music & Arts. There were also two special categories recognising the extraordinary events of 2020, with the Coronavirus Response and Key Worker Awards.

The winners included:

Good Neighbour: As soon as Covid 19 hit, Bhavin Patel who runs the local ‘corner’ shop on Southover Street in Brighton stepped in to become the community hub. From care homes to hotels, Bhavin continues to organise teams of community runners to provide items for the elderly right across the city.

Young Achiever: Ollie Tomasetti from Ninfield is a registered Young Carer for his younger brother Edward, who has complex health needs. Throughout lockdown, Ollie has looked after his brother without hesitation whilst his parents were at work. He’s organised meals, helped with home schooling and taken Edward for walks around the village. He’s a fantastic ‘big brother’ and Edward adores him.

Animal Welfare: Dan Corbin is the founder of Equine Gentling CIC, currently based in Ditchling. Dan has a group of eleven rescue horses, all with a different story to tell. The group he formed aims to rescue and rehabilitate horses without force, fear or intimidation.

Volunteer: Yvonne Curling is an exceptional volunteer for Cancer United, a support charity based in Angmering. Yvonne’s own cancer diagnosis in 2011 and her subsequent treatment, made her more determined than ever to help others in a similar situation, raising thousands of pounds in the process.

Fundraiser: Pauline Woolven has been at the forefront of fundraising in the many local charities she’s supported over the years, including raising tens of thousands of pounds for a local football club in Denton and a community theatre group in Seaford. She's also set up her own charity, raising even more money for good causes.
999: Whilst attending an unrelated incident in Eastbourne, PC Andy Wilkinson and PC Tom

Mele of Sussex Police spotted a man who it's thought was wanted for a potential ‘acid attack’. The suspect resisted arrest and the officers showed courage and determination whilst dealing with the incident.

Coronavirus Response: Hailsham Crisis Support and Sunflowers CIC have worked tirelessly assisting all shielding, vulnerable and elderly people during the pandemic. Many volunteers have now returned to work, but continue to support the service during evenings and weekends.

There was also a special posthumous Outstanding Achievement Award for PS Matt Ratana. Earlier this year, the whole country was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of PS Matt Ratana, who worked in Croydon but lived in Sussex, with a close involvement in a number of local sporting organisations.

Mark Carter, BBC Radio Sussex Acting Managing Editor and Presenter said, ‘We are so thrilled to have been able to recognise such an incredible group of people. 2020 has proved to be challenging for so many people in so many ways but all of our finalists and overall winners have helped to ease the burden of the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic’.

The winners were presented their awards (virtually) by some specially selected guests, including Government Minister and Mid Sussex MP Mims Davies and the Chief Constable of Sussex Police Jo Shiner. There was also a special performance from the Hove-based musician Joe Stilgoe.

Listeners now have three opportunities to hear the Awards ceremony on the radio: Sunday 6 December at 5pm, Boxing Day 26 December at 6am and New Year’s Day at 6pm. BBC Radio Sussex broadcasts across Sussex on 95.3, 104.5 and 104.8FM, DAB digital radio, Freeview 720 and online at https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_sussex

For the full list of winners, visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_sussex

#BBCHeroes   #Try4Matt

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