Volunteers on right track for award honours
Clubs and individuals’ work is recognised
THE work of some of the region’s top sporting volunteers has seen them fast-tracked for award honours, writes TONY HODGSON.
The volunteers were recognised at the England Athletics Regional Volunteer Awards, which celebrate those who have made a vital contribution to the athletics community in the past 12 months.
The North East had the honour of staging the first of the nationwide virtual awards nights to reward the dedication, inspiration and hard work volunteers in the North East have brought to athletics.
Newcastle Frontrunners were the recipients of the Athletics and Running at Home Award.
The club is part of the Frontrunners’ network and describes itself as a ‘friendly running club for LGBT people and friends’.
It includes coaches and runners from across the region aged between 25 and 55 who identify as bisexual, straight or gay.
The group was praised for its efforts during lockdown when members visited homes for socially-distanced chats, delivered equipment, checked in with isolated members and delivered home-baked cakes to sheltering families.
Julie Smith of County Durhambased Quarrington Hill Runners was named Run Leader of the Year
Smith said: “I started Quarrington Hill Runners in January 2019.
“As we are quite a remote village with not much going on I wanted to provide something on our doorstep everyone could join in with.
“The group very much focuses on wellbeing as well as running and it has been an absolute pleasure and honour to see our members grow in confidence, from doing the couch 2.5ks to some now planning on running half-marathons.
“I was gobsmacked when England Athletics said I had won the North East Run Leader of the Year.
“I am truly humbled and I could not have done it without our lovely group. We are like one big happy family.”
Coxhoe Runaways were named Run Together Group of the Year.
Suzanne Helm, group leader at the Runaways, said: “This year has been especially difficult.
“Our response has been about providing wellbeing support as well as keeping people active in line with restrictions and helping those in our community who needed it. ,
“I felt incredibly proud to accept this award on behalf of our group.”
Prudhoe Plodders triumphed in the Club of the Year section.
The Plodders were launched in 2018 and membership has grown to more than 200, covering age groups from youth to senior adults.
Training sessions are held twice weekly and the club also offers volunteering opportunities to all members.
The Plodders also take an active role in the local community.
Coach of the Year was Geoffrey Fenwick of Gateshead Harriers and Official of the Year James Colling.
Fenwick said: “I am delighted to have received recognition for all coaches and athletes who have endured so much this year.
“To have the ongoing faith and support of such a dedicated group of sprinters training together at Gateshead is a constant source of motivation.
“As individuals they displayed such incredible discipline to train in isolation throughout lockdown without complaint or criticism.”
Lucy Hickson of Gateshead Harriers was named Young Volunteer of the Year and said: “I feel honoured to receive this award from England Athletics, it was such a nice surprise.
“It is always a pleasure to work with so many great volunteers who have given me support and advice both on and off the track.”
Volunteer of the Year was Brenda Mallen, who is coaching co-ordinator and vice-chairwoman of Alnwick Harriers.