Luke Myer MP recently enjoyed a memorable evening at the BBC Radio Tees Make A Difference Awards 2024, celebrating the incredible contributions of local heroes across Teesside. Held in a warm and vibrant atmosphere, the event was a powerful testament to the community spirit that defines the region.

The awards brought together individuals from all walks of life, each of whom has gone above and beyond to help others or positively impact their community. From volunteers and fundraisers to community leaders and carers, the night recognised the dedication and compassion of those working tirelessly to make Teesside a better place.

Luke highlighted how moving it was to hear stories of perseverance and generosity. He praised the event for shining a light on these inspiring individuals, noting, “The awards highlighted the best of Teesside, where people consistently look out for one another and are always striving to improve their communities.”

One particularly proud moment was celebrating Rosanne Lightfoot of Hemlington’s Swift-tees Pacers, who was recognised for raising over £40,000 for various causes. Luke remarked, “Our area so often gets a bad press, and there isn’t enough attention given to the fantastic people making a difference in our communities every day. That’s why it was such a pleasure to celebrate Rosanne’s achievement. Well done, Rosanne!”

He also extended congratulations to other remarkable organisations and individuals, including Four All Café in Easterside, who were nominated for their outstanding community work. “We have some wonderful community heroes in our area,” Luke added, celebrating the sense of pride and resilience that these groups represent.

Reflecting on the evening as a whole, Luke concluded, “The Make A Difference Awards are a perfect reminder of the incredible generosity and resilience of people in our area. It’s humbling to hear their stories and to see how these individuals have turned challenges into opportunities to support others.”