A Hastings mother who spearheaded a campaign to raise awareness of the early signs of lung cancer following her own diagnosis has been honoured posthumously with an award.

Jules Fielder had stage 4 lung cancer, the most advanced stage, and was diagnosed with the disease in November 2021 at the age of 37, after finding a lump in her neck.

She spent her time raising awareness through her Instagram account www.instagram.com/just_beingjules, which had more than 37,000 followers.

Jules passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 21 this year, aged 42, her friend Ricky Martin said.

On Tuesday (September 22) she and other unsung heroes were honoured at the BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Radio Surrey Make A Difference Awards 2026, recognising their outstanding contribution to local communities.

Jules was the winner of the Volunteer Award category.

The citation read: “Juliet Fielder from Hastings is recognised posthumously for turning her diagnosis of Stage 4 incurable lung cancer into a powerful campaign to help others.”

Her husband, Paul, collected the award on her behalf.

Paul Fielder collecting Jules' posthumous award at the 2026 Make a Difference Awards

Following her death in May, Jules' friend Ricky said: “Juliet was truly one in a million. Her work with lung cancer awareness was truly remarkable, one voice in a world of many, she got her voice heard loud and clear.

“She wanted to get the message out there so that others didn’t go through what she had to go through, thinking of others before herself. This was Jules always putting others first. I’m truly blessed to be able to call Jules my best friend.”

Ricky said Jules was told in April that she only had 'weeks to live' because her cancer had spread to the frontal lobe of her brain and the NHS was unable to provide any more treatment.

In February Jules joined Boots in launching a nationwide awareness campaign to help people spot early signs and symptoms of lung cancer.

She met the then Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in March, who sent her a letter, which Jules shared on her Instagram page.

Jules also met with the Health Secretary and Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore.

The winners at this year's Make a Difference Awards were celebrated at a ceremony held at The Chequer Mead Theatre in East Grinstead.

The winners were selected by a panel of judges, including Amanda Collier from the most recent series of The Traitors, and Homes Under The Hammer presenter Jacqui Joseph.

The awards were hosted by presenters Danny Pike and Allison Ferns.

Vicki Berry, executive editor at BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Radio Surrey, said: “Once again, we were inundated with stories of inspiring people from across the region. It is a true privilege to be able to shine a light on their amazing contributions to society.”

Chris Burns, head of audio commissioning, said: “Every year, the BBC Local Make A Difference Awards reveal the incredible efforts of people who go above and beyond to support those around them. The calibre of nominations this year has been exceptional, and we've been deeply moved by the many stories of compassion, resilience and community spirit.”