Hospital supporters and staff were honored at a special event organised by BBC Radio Oxford on Friday 30 September.

The Make a Difference Awards, held at the Kassam Stadium, showcased people from across Oxfordshire who have gone the extra mile for their communities.

Eleanor Wicks, Consultant Cardiologist and Nursing Associate, Courtney Hughes, were both nominated in the ‘key-worker’ category.

Courtney was praised for her Secret Santa work and Eleanor was nominated by a patient with a long-term heart condition, who thanked her for compassionate care over many years and her fundraising and research into inherited heart conditions.

The hotly contended ‘Fundraiser’ category included current and former Children’s Hospital patients, Mikayla Beames and Play2Give’s Andy Baker, and was won by Paul and Siobhan Masters.

Paul ran a mile a day for a whole year in memory of his twin baby boys. challenge raised funds for Oxford Hospitals Charity, SSNAP (Support for Sick Newborns and their Parents) and Helen and Douglas House.

Thanks to his efforts Oxford Hospitals Charity – who nominated him for the award - have been able to refurbish the Ashfield Suite in JR Maternity to support other families experiencing the pain of baby loss.

Sarah Vaccari from Oxford Hospitals Charity said: ‘It was a real privilege to attend this special event and hear so many inspirational stories from across our county.

‘During some really tough times we have seen our local community come together – supporting one and other, taking on extraordinary challenges and performing incredible acts of kindness.’