Nine-year-old Jaxon Wright from Tamworth has been honoured at the prestigious BBC WM Make a Difference Awards 2025, where he was named highly commended in his category.

The awards celebrate inspiring individuals from across the West Midlands who make extraordinary contributions to their communities, shining a light on everyday people who go above and beyond to support others. This year’s ceremony was held at The Hippodrome in Birmingham, bringing together remarkable stories of compassion, dedication and positive impact. 

Jaxon was nominated for the Young Hero Award for his fundraising efforts and the support he has given to St Giles Hospice since the death of his mum, Steph, who received care from the hospice before she died in 2020 following a five-year battle with breast cancer. 

Steph sadly died on Jaxon’s first day of school. Diagnosed with breast cancer when Jaxon was just two months old, she left behind her five-year-old son, who had only ever known his mum to be poorly. Despite such a difficult start, Jaxon has channeled his energy into helping others, becoming a dedicated young supporter of St Giles and inspiring everyone around him. 

Reflecting on his son’s journey, Aiden Wright, Jaxon’s dad, said: “The work that Jaxon has done in memory of his mum means he’s already a winner in our eyes. We never expected any of this, so when St Giles told us he’d been nominated, we were completely over the moon. We’re enjoying every second of this experience.” 

At the ceremony, presenter of the morning show, Sarah Julian, introduced the Young Hero Award, explaining that it is given to an individual under the age of 16 who has made a real difference in their community. 

Jaxon’s determination drove him to complete a cycle challenge, raising over £1,000 for St Giles. But his work didn’t stop there. Last year, Jaxon courageously shared his story live on BBC Radio WM, raising awareness of the hospice and inspiring countless people with his bravery and compassion.  

Jaxon was recognised on stage alongside category winner Frazer Tibbitts, a 10-year-old who has undergone 60 eye operations and is registered blind. Frazer was celebrated for his role as the “prized pundit” of Beacon’s Talking Newspaper Fanzone, where his entertaining audio match reactions for Wolverhampton Wanderers have earned him a loyal following. 

Jaxon’s highly commended recognition shines a spotlight on his courage and commitment in supporting St Giles and is a powerful celebration of the way he is keeping his mum’s legacy alive. 

Aiden added: “It’s truly humbling when you get a phone call to say your son has been shortlisted. It’s an amazing feeling, and we’re so excited to be here. 

“What’s really special is that people are seeing the incredible boy that Jaxon is. He can be a little unsure of himself at times, so this recognition means the world.” 

Closing the ceremony, presenter, Ed James said: “All of our finalists do an amazing job and you make the West Midlands even better, so a huge round of applause to you all.”