When three-year-old Nel was diagnosed with a rare chromosome disorder, her big sister was determined to help.

Maisie, 11, started out wanting to buy sensory equipment for Nel, and her fundraising journey grew into a desire to help her whole community - from organising own clothes days in her school to completing a Twin Peak challenge.

Cerys, Maisie's mum, said she was the "best big sister to Nel".

Maisie is one of the finalists nominated for a BBC Make a Difference Award which recognises people who do incredible things for their communities.

Nel was diagnosed with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, which has a wide variety of symptoms including slow weight gain and delayed development, according to Contact charity.

"One theme that runs throughout is small growth, so she's three years old but she's in six to nine month clothes," said Cerys, from Ceredigion.

She said Nel also has had numerous seizures, a symptom that some children with the disorder experience.

Maisie has been fundraising for Tŷ Hafan children's hospice since 2024, and she created a team called Nel's Welsh Army who regularly fundraise for the hospice.

She has been nominated for The Young Hero Award, which is awarded to an individual or group of young people who have made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.

"I've done two rainbow runs and I've done a Twin Peaks. I've done two charity car washes and I've done loads of little lolly stools and own clothes day in my primary school," she said.

Shelley Kirkham, a community fundraiser from Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice, nominated Maisie because she is a "once in a career fundraiser".

"She's such an inspirational and amazing young woman. Not only is she absolutely selfless in all of her fundraising activities, wanting to support Nel and other children like Nel, but she's also rallied a community," she said.

Another finalist is Jack Bridger, whose passion for music led him to form the Porthcawl Community Orchestra when he was 15.

"Unfortunately, at the time, no one was able to drive me to any of the brilliant orchestras in south Wales," he said.

Bridger, "out of madness", decided to start his own in Porthcawl.

Twelve years later the orchestra boasts 70 members who play at community events, nursing homes and organise concerts for the community.

"It really is wonderful, and not because we happen to be quite good as an ensemble, that's always a bonus, but a lot of our members have been with us for 10 years plus so we all know each other really well," he said.

"That sense of community comes from, yes, performing together, but from real friendships and relationships."

Bridger, from Bridgend, has been nominated for the Volunteer Award, for an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.

After attending a dog training class with her canine companion Mili, Jane Jones learned about volunteer therapy dogs.

Since qualifying, Mili has been working as a therapy dog for eight years providing comfort and support during visits to schools and hospitals. Mili is often dressed in seasonal costumes and has danced on stage at a dementia support event.

She also brings joy to both patients and staff during her visits to intensive care units.

Jane said: "Some of the patients have their own dogs and some of them are here for quite a few weeks.

"One lady said she was feeling a bit down and said, 'thank you very much. I feel much better now'.

"We go to two schools and the little children read to her and they play with her. She loves the attention and the treats. She's a proper little diva."

Mili has been nominated for The Animal Award which is awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people's lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.

Felicity Powell, one of the sisters in the intensive care unit in Bangor, said Mili was a "fantastic asset" to the team.

"When she comes for visits, she reduces stress and anxiety, not just amongst the patients, but amongst the staff as well sometimes. She improves the mood and encourages a sense of normality," she said.

Garmon Rhys, Interim Director for BBC Cymru Wales, said: "These awards are so important in shining a light on Wales' unsung heroes, and we can't wait to celebrate our brilliant finalists at the ceremony."

Make a Difference Award ceremonies will take place across the UK in September 2026, with the winners selected by a panel of judges.

You can see a full list of the Make a Difference Awards finalists in Wales here, and read more about the awards here.