Ealing’s Young Heroes Shine at the BBC Make a Difference Awards
Ealing has every reason to be proud this autumn. Two remarkable young residents, Raphael Chiwandire (13) and Lauryn Rose Teixeira (12), have been recognised at the BBC Make a Difference Awards 2025, winning honours in the Young Hero category at a ceremony held on 24 September at BBC Broadcasting House in London.
Selected from thousands of nominees across the UK, Raphael and Lauryn were among just four national finalists. Raphael was named the Young Hero Award Winner, while Lauryn received the Young Hero Highly Commended Award. The ceremony, hosted by BBC Radio London presenters Gaby Roslin and Eddie Nestor, was attended by leading journalists, cultural figures, and community leaders, underlining the prestige of their achievements.
Raphael Chiwandire: Scholar, Athlete, and Community Leader
Raphael has distinguished himself as a high-achieving student at a STEM-specialist school, excelling in mathematics, science, and engineering. His ambition is to pursue a future in mechanical and aerospace engineering — but his talents extend well beyond the classroom.
A gifted multi-sport athlete, Raphael shines in athletics, boxing, and football, where he plays as a goalkeeper for Hanwell Town FC. Yet it is his community spirit that truly sets him apart. Inspired by a personal connection, he has raised hundreds of pounds for the Teenage Cancer Trust through sponsored runs, with plans to double his fundraising efforts in the coming year.
Raphael has also spoken candidly on BBC Radio about the challenges of growing up as a young Black boy in the UK, using his voice to challenge stereotypes and inspire his peers to lead with confidence and integrity. “I feel like my hard work has been recognised and also I’m able to set an example for others,” he reflected after receiving his award.
Lauryn Rose Teixeira: Author, Activist, and Inspiration
At just 12 years old, Lauryn is already an accomplished writer and global award-winner. She published her first book, Lauryn That’s Me, at the age of nine, while at primary school in Acton. The book — now available in four languages — celebrates her African-Portuguese heritage and tells the story of resilience, pride, and identity.
Lauryn is the youngest author of Afro-Portuguese descent to publish a book in the UK and was honoured with a prestigious Global Child Prodigy Award at the House of Commons. She has spoken openly about wanting to inspire other children: “I wrote my book because there are not enough books about children being raised by a single parent, and there are no books talking about my two countries – Cape Verde and São Tomé.”
Beyond writing, Lauryn is a keen taekwondo student and a regular at Ealing Riding School, balancing her creative talents with a love for sport and the outdoors.
Recognition Beyond the Borough
The BBC Make a Difference Awards, which began during the Covid-19 pandemic as a platform to connect helpers with those in need, has grown into one of the UK’s most inspiring community honours. Winners are chosen by a panel of judges and celebrated across every local BBC radio station.
Speaking to nominees, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, praised their commitment: “London is the greatest city in the world, and it is thanks to Londoners like you, who go above and beyond to support our communities and make our city a better, brighter place.”
A Proud Moment for Ealing
For Raphael and Lauryn, these awards mark milestones in journeys already defined by vision, resilience, and generosity. For Ealing, their recognition is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary young voices shaping our borough and inspiring change far beyond it.
