As we close out an inspiring year of celebrating kindness, confidence, and community spirit, we’re thrilled to announce our final Move With Us “Move Maker” of 2025, Ralphie. And honestly, it feels only right. After all, Ralphie was crowned our Essex Activity Awards Move With Us Champion back in early December, a title he earned through compassion, courage, and the way he lifts others up everywhere he goes.
Earlier this year, Ralphie won a competition, but instead of keeping the prize to himself, he chose to share it with the friend he competed against. His Nando’s voucher became a celebration for two, because in Ralphie’s world, winning feels better when everyone gets to enjoy it.
At Go Bananas, Ralphie made a huge impact without even realising it. He helped a child who had never been able to use the swing feel confident enough to try — and succeed. He connected with a non‑verbal child using Makaton, surprising and moving the child’s carer. He gathered children together to play, making sure no one felt left out. Those moments turned into real friendships that have continued long after the session ended.
At Pop Essex, Ralphie had a one‑to‑one session, but he didn’t want it to be just for him. Instead, he invited all the children to join in, even adapting the game so it was wheelchair‑friendly. His goal was simple: everyone plays, everyone belongs. At Brentham Museum, he threw himself into the experience, becoming part of the fun, the learning, and the community around him.
Ralphie lives with ADHD, autism, and anxiety, and being part of community activities has helped him grow in confidence and connection. But what stands out most is how he helps others grow too. At another Go Bananas session, where he didn’t know anyone, he approached a non‑verbal child’s carer politely, asked thoughtful questions, and made sure he could communicate in a way the child understood. His kindness left such an impression that the carer gifted him £5 as a thank‑you.
He also supported another child with similar needs to his own, helping them overcome their fear of the sliding swing. That child is now one of his friends. Ralphie never expects anything in return. He helps because it’s who he is.
This year, Ralphie has attended countless clubs, made new friends, tried new things, cooked new foods, and shown a level of empathy and leadership far beyond his years. He includes others. He uplifts others. He moves others.
And that’s why Ralphie, already our Essex Activity Awards Move With Us Champion ,is the perfect final Move Maker of 2025. We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate him.
