Congratulations to our Make a Difference Award winners!
We’re thrilled to announce that six PAT Teams were winners at this year’s BBC Make a Difference Awards.
Volunteers and their pets picked up the top Animal Award prize at glitzy ceremonies around the country throughout September.
A big congratulations to:
Linzi Bannister and Dr Riggs, who picked up the prize at the BBC Radio Lancashire awards. PAT Volunteer Linzi and her Sussex spaniel visit Chorley and South Ribble Hospital, supporting patients, staff and visitors.
A six-year-old border collie called Rufus owned by PAT Volunteer Sheila Garner won The Animal Award at the BBC Radio Somerset ceremony. Both visit Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, bringing comfort to those receiving critical care.
Penny Griffiths from Bewdley and her PAT Dog Aura were named winners at the BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester awards. The dynamic duo offer company and cuddles to local dementia groups, schools, hospitals and care homes.
Mary McPherson and her cavachon Nelly take part in PAT’s Read2Dogs scheme, spending time with children who attend St Monica primary school in Sholing, Southampton. They were winners of BBC Radio Solent’s Animal Award.
Volunteer Nick Pugh owns two PAT Dogs – Finn and Phoebe – and they share The Animal Award presented to them at the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire ceremony. Nick visits schools and hospitals to offer emotional support and reduce anxiety.
John Szyndler and Winnie received their prize at the BBC Radio Coventry and Warwickshire awards. Together they visit dementia care homes, bringing calm, comfort and connection to residents who often spend long periods without visitors.
Well done too, to all the other PAT Teams who were finalists. And also everyone who was nominated. We couldn’t be more proud!
And if we’ve missed you off our list, don’t celebrate alone. Please get in touch and let us know. We want to share your great achievement.
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