Last week, I had the privilege of attending the BBC Radio Suffolk Make A Difference Awards ceremony, an event that celebrates the incredible contributions of individuals and organisations to our local communities. The ceremony was a heartwarming reminder of the power of community spirit, and I was honoured to be part of it.

In March 2020, as the world went into lockdown, the Make A Difference Awards were born. These awards were designed to shine a spotlight on the remarkable acts of kindness and support happening right here in Suffolk. Nominations poured in from the public, showcasing the outstanding efforts of our neighbours and friends across various categories.

The categories included:

• The Volunteer Award

• The Community Group Award

• The Fundraiser Award

• The Carer Award

• The Great Neighbour Award

• The Green Award

• The Together Award

One category that particularly resonated with me was the Great Neighbour Award. This award recognises individuals who have gone above and beyond to create a stronger sense of community and combat isolation, especially in rural areas. The winner of this category was Tricia Connolly, a truly remarkable individual.

Tricia has made a profound impact on her community in Tattingstone. She has organised a wide range of community events, established a local ride-sharing initiative, hosted workshops, and organised drop-in coffee mornings. Her efforts have been instrumental in bringing people together and tackling isolation head-on. Tricia's dedication to improving the lives of those around her is truly inspiring.

Sudbury, my hometown, had a strong presence at the awards ceremony. Breakout, a local initiative, made it to the finals in the Great Neighbour category, demonstrating the depth of community spirit in our area. Additionally, the Eden Project youth group was recognised as a finalist in the Community Award category, highlighting the incredible work being done by young people to create positive change in our community.

The evening itself was a delightful affair. Attendees were treated to a sumptuous buffet and enjoyed the live music of the up-and-coming Suffolk band, Three Years Younger. The atmosphere was filled with positivity and a shared sense of pride in our local community.

It was a great honour to be asked to present the Great Neighbour Award to Tricia Connolly. It was an emotional and heartwarming moment, recognising her selfless dedication to improving the lives of those around her. Tricia's humility and genuine care for her community were evident from the VT you can watch here

What struck me most about the Make A Difference Awards was the opportunity to meet so many inspirational individuals. These are people who have dedicated their time, energy, and resources to make our communities better places. Their stories were a powerful reminder that even in challenging times, when the world feels a little bit uncaring, the spirit of togetherness and kindness can prevail.

The BBC Radio Suffolk Make A Difference Awards was a heartening reminder of the incredible work happening in our local communities. It showcased the power of individuals like Tricia Connolly, who embody the true spirit of being a great neighbour. I left the ceremony with a renewed sense of pride in our community and a deep appreciation for the remarkable people who call Suffolk home.