Supporting Content
About
At a time when weβre being asked to work together, we will be sharing details of where you can find help and support from organisations and individuals in your area who are working hard to make things easier for you.
If you are in a position to help and have something that youβd like us to share, get in touch:
Email: radio.cornwall@bbc.co.uk and put "Make a Difference" into the subject title.
Phone: 01872 275421
You made a difference
Support Local
It's great to hear how many people in Cornwall are supporting their local shops, traders and businesses.
We are highlighting examples of how Cornish companies are getting creative and adapting to survive - to get involved just email radio.cornwall@bbc.co.uk and put "Support Local" in the title line.
Getting laptops to homeschooling Cornish children
Your generous donations of laptops and tablets through the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Give A Laptop project really are helping homeschooling children in Cornwall - thanks to people likeΜύBob Shillito from PL24 Reboot in Par.
Overall the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Make A Difference initiative has attracted more than Β£700,000 in cash donations - and inspired people to give directly, as one Cornish headteacher told us.
Hear how your donated laptops are helping south west families.
Mum of two Jo Green says her children are delighted now they can do home learning, thanks to a donated laptop
Read how you can get involved here.
He's got his name on a train! Kieron Griffin from St Newlyn East has been hailed as a ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Make A Difference Superstar!
Kieron raised Β£5,700 for charity walking ten laps of his garden a day for three months, despite his own serious health issues.
Listen to the moment James Churchfield knocked on his door in St Newlyn East to tell Kieron and his mum Marie the good news.
Don Gardner is the second of our ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Make A Difference Superstars - honoured for his work with local Food Banks.
For the last 11 years Don Gardner has helped to feed people in Camborne, Pool & Redruth through the Food Bank scheme.
That's why he's been hailed as a ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Make A Difference Superstar and will soon have his name on the front of a GWR train - this is the moment he found out.
".. the Cornwall Community Foundation does amazing work across the board and I wanted to be a part of that" - Alex Polizzi.
The Cornwall Community Foundation supports grass roots projects across Cornwall - helping people when they need it the most- here hotelier and TV presenter Alex Polizzi explains why she's been a donor since the start.
"Help from the CCF meant not only could we keep going, we could go from strength to strength" - Leigh Yates, Sparkle Academy.
Volunteers have been providing help to families in need across west Cornwall.
The Cornwall Community Foundation is striving to help people in Cornwall manage the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic - It's hoping to raise Β£2m to support grass roots charities.Μύ
The Stithians pub honoured at the British Pub Awards for helping to hold the community together during lockdown.
Sarah Sear from the Golden Lion in Stithians told Julie Skentelbery at Breakfast about all the things they did during the coronavirus lockdown to win the title of "Community Heroes".
Jodie Clarke was raising money for ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Children in Need this weekend.
Jodie, who's 24 and lives near Looe, has Down's Syndrome.
She and mum Adie walked six milesΜύround Siblyback Lake on Saturday and Sunday - so far they've raised three times the Β£500 target.
"I'm so glad I took my own advice" - Emma Wright on the honest conversations about cancer that may have saved her life.
Emma was working as a fundraiser at Macmillan Cancer Research in Cornwall when she noticed a lump in her breast.Μύ
She told David White how she dealt with the shock news and about her journey back to health.
"The worst thing you can do is not say anything at all" - Kris Hallenga has incurable breast cancer but wants to talk about it.
Kris, who lives in Cornwall, was inspired to set up the charity CoppaFeel after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
She shared her thoughts on what to say - and what not to say - to cancer patients.
"It can happen to anybody" - Oli Jones from Liskeard was a fit 22-year-old when he developed testicular cancer.
Keen runner Oli has now raised thousands of pounds for cancer research.
He told Julie Skentelbery about how his own health history still inspires him today.
The happy return of the "Happy Return" to the waters off west Cornwall.
This historic lugger "Happy Return" is back in her home waters but it's been a difficult summer season due to coronavirus.
James Churchfield went to meet the members of the Mounts Bay Lugger Association.
"I donβt know what I would have done without them, I really donβt" - how the Sensory Trust is helping to tackle isolation.
The Sensory Trust is a charity based at the Eden Project which creates accessible and engaging outdoor experiences for everyone, regardless of ability.
James Churchfield heard how the charityΜύis one of the organisations to have benefited from funding from the Cornwall Community Foundation.
Hair today, gone tomorrow! Bruce Tyzzer from Bodmin has shaved off his beard of forty years for charity.
Bruce told Julie Skentelbery he's raised more than Β£1,000 for Rotary GB with his sponsored shave.
"To survive it is a miracle" - it's six weeks since Shirley Solomon returned home after a lengthy battle with coronavirus.
Shirley, 79, from St Austell spend nearly ten weeks in hospital before being allowed home.Μύ
She told Laurence Reed how close she had come to death - and how grateful she was to the NHS and to her family for their care, support and love.
Thomas, five, from Exeter was very worried about Father Christmas catching coronavirus so his family called ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Cornwall.
Thomas, his mum Clare and granny Rosemary spoke to Laurence Reed - and a very special guest joined the conversation
On Monday 6th July Jamie Sweet started walking along the Cornish coast path - he's still going!
The end is in sight for one man who's set himself the challenge of walking the coast of Cornwall.ΜύJamie Sweet from Polgooth near St Austell is raising money and awareness of the charity, Mental Health UK.
Taking "growing your own" to the next level.
Bosavern Community farm is sited in the far west of Cornwall, growing fresh seasonal food and serving as a local food hub and community resource.
Hear how the St Just farm has been helping people during lockdown and after.
Meet Daisy - the Cornish superhero who has raised more than Β£1,500 for NHS charities.
We should all be a bit more like Daisy! She raised more than Β£1500 for NHS charities with a sponsored swim at Bude Sea Pool.
Take a listen to Daisy and Ella from Bude Surf Life Saving Club.
"She was just so overwhelmed" - how a Cornish store manager went that extra mile to help a customer set up her new TV.
Karen from BedfordshireΜύtold James Churchfield howΜύthe manager of a Penzance electronics storeΜύhad helped herΜύelderly mother set up her shiny new 43" TV at her home in Helston.
Hair today .. gone tomorrow! After cultivating a mighty beard for 40 years, this Bodmin man is shaving off the lot.
Bruce Tyzzer from Bodmin is shaving off his magnificent beard on 5th August to raise funds for the Bodmin Rotary Club.
He told James Churchfield he's hoping to raise Β£1,000 .. but his wife is warning he looks like a chipmunk underneath.
Fundraising with flapjacks!
Brother and sister teamΜύIzzy and WilliamΜύhave raised thousands of pounds for charity with their stall on the Bissoe Trail.
James Churchfield went to meet them and to try a few flapjacks and other sweet treats.
How Drama Express is helping children with disabilities in Cornwall develop confidence and self-esteem through performance.
Hear from the young people and the creative team from Drama Express talking to Naomi Kennedy here.
Tackling the "digital divide" - the Cornish school which has handed out 100 tablet computers to get pupils connected.
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ local radio stations are highlighting the issue of families without digital devices and those charities and companies that are βmaking a differenceβ to help children with their learning.
Listen to Hannah Stacey's report from Pool Academy here.
"I could not believe it!" - 'Beach Guardian' Emily Stevenson is awarded the Diana Award for her marine conservation work.
The Diana Award was named after Diana, Princess of Wales to reflect her belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better.
Listen to Cornwall's Emily Stevenson looking back on her marine conservation work with James Churchfield here.
Have you seen the Fencing Fairy?
Andy AKA The Fencing Fairy has raised more than Β£3,000 for the Cornwall Air Ambulance charity thanks to his unusual work wear.Μύ
He explained all to David White.
Marking one hundred days of 'Make A Difference'.
It's been amazing, inspiring and humbling to hear how you've raised funds for charity, supported each other and shared the love during the coronavirus crisis.
Have a listen back to some of the highlights here - and thank you so much.
Rick Dean, 71, from Bude is pedaling 205 miles for charity without leaving his garden.
The three day "Ride For Precious Lives" event could not take place on the road so Rick is tackling the challenge on his static trainer - he told James Churchfield about the tragic story behind his fundraising efforts.
The Cornish care home knitting a 365 metre scarf to wrap round the whole building.
Staff and residents at Trewartha House Care ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ in Carbis Bay have been knitting up a storm!
The St Austell siblings carrying a sign to say theyβre here to help.
Listen to Rupert and Florence as they take us on their special delivery service.Μύ
"It was a hell of a battle" - Shirley Solomon, 79, was in hospital with coronavirus for nine and a half weeks - now she's home.
The St Austell pensioner and her family spoke about their ordeal to Laurence Reed.
"We've got Mum back ... it just shows there is hope..."
Brian from St AustellΜύcalled Laurence with a message of hope about his mum Shirley and her experiences with Covid-19.
Take a listen to Brian's story right now on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds.
A tiger and a fairy in Polperro?!
Andy Taylor and 'Marty the Torpoint Tiger' have been raising money for Cornwall Air Ambulance as they put up fencing near Polperro while wearing some very unusual costumes!
Take a listen to their story on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds.
A round of applause for the brilliant Gabe Judge!
Gabe Judge has absolutely smashed his fundraising challenge for the charity Scope!
Casper the little Commando - and how he was inspired by Captain Tom
Casper was inspired to take on an amazing running challenge by Captain Tom.
Hear from the little Commando in his own words on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds!
Poem for Cornwall - The Ration Book
We asked local poet Olivia Lowry to write a special poem that celebrates the incredible things you've been doing during lockdown to make a difference.
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Cornwall's Stay at ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sessions - Daisy Clark, The Native and NANA
Are you missing music as much as we are? ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Cornwall's Dan Pascoe has been speaking to some of the region's top artists who've swapped the stage for the stream.
Take a listen to their exclusive 'stay at home sessions' right now on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds.
(Chefs) hats off to the amazing Ethan and his superb fundraising efforts!
Meet the amazing seven year old who has been baking up a storm for good causes.
Ethan and mum Nicky have been telling us more - listen on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds.
"Right on, Pard!" - 'Boy Marjorie' raises Β£50,000
'Boy Marjorie' is the alter-ego of Penzance builder Jason Sincock. Helped by his partner Lisa, he's absolutely smashed his fundraising target!
Is it a princess? Is it a superhero? No, it's an amazing fundraiser helping raise smiles and money for the NHS.
Have you spotted a princess in South-East Cornwall? Or maybe even a super-hero?ΜύThe woman behind the costume isΜύLiskeard's Rebecca Drury on an unusual fundraising challenge.
Click here to discover why Rebecca is raising smiles and money across the county.
The supermarket that showed some extraordinary kindness to an older woman in Camborne
When staff at the Aldi in Camborne spotted that an 82 year old woman was only buying tinned food, they found out why and then decided to do something about it.
Richard Allen and Rose Johnson explain what happens next on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds.
They wanted accommodation for frontline workers - and Cornwall stepped up to the plate
From βHugs for Grenfellβ to 'Hugs for Carers', you helped provide details of accommodation for frontline workers who needed to isolate from their families to keep working.
Esme Page from Cornwall Hugs Care Workers explains how you helped make it happen!
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Why is 'Marshall' from Paw Patrol turning up in Torpoint?
Local man Mike Adams has been dressing up as the much loved character to cheer up local children during the coronavirus crisis.
Listen to ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds to hear how he came up with the idea.
This RNLI volunteer had his bike pinched - but what happened next is going to make you smile
RNLI volunteer Tom Knight had his bike pinched as he responded to a shout - but when ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Cornwall told his story, it wasn't long before a good Samaritan came up with a replacement.
The Cornish artist using lockdown to clear plastic off our beaches
Rob Arnold has collected 40 sacks of litter from his local beach and plans to use them to make art that focuses on environmental issues.
Click here to see Rob in action and just how much plastic he's picked up!
One county. Many voices. You need to watch this spectacular version of 'Cornwall, My ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ'.
Stop what you're doing and check out this brilliant version of 'Cornwall, My ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ', sung by Cornwall County Choirs. It'll make you proud to be Cornish!
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The sweetest Meals on Wheels delivery you'll see today
Finlay, you've made our day byΜύdelivering hot meals to your neighbour in St Agnes!
Click here to listen to Finlay andΜύmumΜύHannah on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ SoundsΜύor .
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Get some top tips for your garden by downloading our free 'Gardenline: The Essential Lockdown Guide'
Spending more time in your garden - but don't have a clue what you're doing?! Liam, Nigel and Sharon have all the tips you need in this handy cheat-sheet.
The Cornish zookeeper paying tribute to Sir Elton John during the lockdown
Grace WithersΜύfrom Porfell Wildlife Park near Looe has been writing her own Elton John covers to raise a smile during the lockdown.
Take a listen to her 'Rocket Man' cover and her chat with Julie on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds.
What's it like to look after a near-empty Eden Project at the height of spring?
Meet the small crew who areΜύhelping to keep the Eden Project looking great during lockdown.
The Bodmin biker delivery team
Not all heroes wear capes!
18 motorcyclists in Bodmin have taken to the road to help with the delivery of food, prescriptions and more.
"These little voices make up for that..." - how Cornish children are reading stories to older people in self-isolation.
This might be the sweetest story you hear today.
The Truro T-Rexes trying to put a smile on the faces of the county's key workers
Have you ever seen anything like this?!
Safer Cornwall with advice for people experiencing domestic abuse during the lockdown
Click here to hear advice from Anna MacGregor, Safer Cornwall.
Cornwall Refuge Trustβs 24 hour helpline: 01872 225629.ΜύΜύ
Safer Cornwall (during the day): 0300 777 4 777.
Dress as a nurse and run around St Austell to raise money for the NHS? Why not?!
Andy Tregaskes has now raised more than Β£1000 for the NHS by running around St Austell dressed as a nurse. Andy, we salute you!
The Cornish community pantry where you 'give what you can, take what you need'
Essie Richards from St Ives has helped create a new community pantry scheme on her local street.
"I just want to keep Newquay looking beautiful..."
Alex Russell has been doing his bit around Newquay to keep the town looking its best during the coronavirus crisis.
Click here to read more about Alex and the love he's getting from the public.
The Cornish young farmers answering a call for help from Manchester
When Manchester's Jane MaCheknie needed support for her 97 year old uncle in Sticker, the Probus Young Farmers stepped up to help.
Take a listen on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds to this lovely act of kindness.
Video calling for first timers
Download our handy guide to video calling, with advice from IT expert Jeremy Anderson.
Μύthe advice in .pdf format.
Making furniture for squirrels in the lockdown? Why not?!
Primary school teacher Ally Higson has taken up woodwork to pass the time in the lockdown - and has ended up making some hilariously bonkers things!
Hear her fantastic chat with James right now on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds.
Get moving with David White's Daily Dance Workout
People around the world are blowing away the cobwebs each morning by having a boogie to some brilliant music.
Offering bereavement support during the coronavirus crisis
Bereavement services across Cornwall have come together to make accessing support as easy as possible in these challenging times.
Take a listen to Julie Parker from the charity Penhaligon's Friends on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds.
"He's our star, he's our legend..."
Kieran - who has a rare medical condition - has been walking round his garden in St Newlyn East to raise money for the NHS.
The organisations and groups that are offering support in Cornwall
From county-wide organisations to those working in your neck of the woods, this is your one-stop-shop to find out who is offering support during the coronavirus crisis.
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