蜜芽传媒

The 蜜芽传媒 Radio Solent Make a Difference Awards are back to celebrate people who are going above and beyond to make a difference where we live.

17-year-old Will Sears, from Christchurch, won the Bravery Award at 蜜芽传媒 Radio Solent's Make a Difference Awards in 2023.

Will was 12 when he suffered a haemorrhagic stroke but was able to resume his love of sailing and qualified as a day skipper and dinghy instructor.

"From that time I was a bit down and not really wanting to go out and do stuff, but I began to build up confidence again," he said.

"I was already an avid sailor but since my stroke I've started teaching others and helping them to get out on the water."

Will now takes groups of children on sailing courses and works with the Tall Ships Youth Trust as a watch leader, as well as volunteering with his local foodbank.

He said his nomination for a Make a Difference Award came "totally out of the blue".

"It's built my confidence a lot - I find it really fun teaching other people how to sail, and that interaction you have with them, learning about them and what they're going through," he said.

"Anyone that is doing anything is special - they are making a difference in their communities in some way."

For a full list of categories - and details of how to nominate someone - go to www.bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where you can also see full Terms and our Privacy Notice.

Nominations are open now and close on the 10th of March at 11:00pm.

The winners will be announced at our 蜜芽传媒 Radio Solent Make a Difference awards ceremony in September.

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