Regional Volunteer Awards 2026: North West

Our 2026 Regional Volunteer Awards began with three ceremonies this weekend, including the turn of the North West on Friday, in Preston, celebrating the outstanding contributions from volunteers across the region.

A huge congratulations to all of the nominees and winners - let's meet them!

Club of the year

Winner: DH Runners

DH Runners continues to lead by example as an inclusive club that uses running to create connection, confidence and community impact. As Carlisle’s first inclusive running club, it has consistently removed barriers to participation while creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to become active. The club has strengthened its support for mental wellbeing, recovery programmes and community engagement, while also delivering successful events and volunteering initiatives across the region. By listening to members, adapting opportunities to meet their needs and reinvesting in accessibility, DH Runners has built a culture where everyone feels valued, supported and able to thrive through running.

Runner up: Seaton Athletic Club

Seaton Athletic Club has created a thriving athletics community built on participation, teamwork and opportunity. Supporting athletes from childhood through to adulthood, the club combines competitive success with a welcoming culture that encourages every member to enjoy the sport and reach their potential. Investment in coaching, officiating and athlete support has strengthened the club while innovative initiatives, including providing club kit for members and developing equipment exchange programmes, have removed barriers to participation. Recent success across league competition and local awards reflects the dedication of the club’s volunteers, coaches and athletes and its continued commitment to developing athletics across Cumbria.

Runner up: Helsby Running Club

Helsby Running Club has built an outstanding reputation as an ambitious, inclusive and community-focused organisation. Record membership levels reflect the welcoming culture that ensures runners of all ages and abilities feel supported and valued. Through innovative governance changes, strong member engagement and a commitment to acting on feedback, the club has strengthened its long-term sustainability while continuing to invest in the member experience. Alongside delivering popular community races and significant charitable fundraising, Helsby Running Club has created a culture where participation, achievement and friendship are equally celebrated, making it one of the region’s most respected running communities.

Unsung Hero of the Year

Winner: Clare Hebdige (Eden Runners)

Claire Hebdige is one of the North West’s most dedicated and versatile volunteers, contributing across coaching, officiating, event management and official education. Through her work with Eden Runners, county championships and major regional and national events, she consistently helps create opportunities for athletes and officials to succeed. Claire’s technical expertise, reliability and willingness to support others make her an invaluable part of the athletics community. Whether coaching young athletes, managing competitions, developing officials or stepping forward to solve last-minute challenges, she approaches every task with professionalism and enthusiasm. Her contribution continues to benefit athletics at every level.

Winner: Leo Jones (Wirral AC)

Despite his young age, Leo Jones has become an indispensable member of the Wirral AC community. For over five years he has volunteered tirelessly, supporting athletes, coaches, officials and visitors while helping create the welcoming atmosphere for which the club is known. Whether assisting at events, maintaining facilities, supporting volunteers or stepping into competition events for the benefit of the team, Leo consistently puts others first. His maturity, initiative and willingness to help have earned widespread respect throughout the club. Leo is a remarkable role model whose contribution demonstrates that volunteering, leadership and community spirit know no age limit.

Winner: Rebekah Hopper (Wigan Harriers)

For 17 years, Rebekah Hopper has been a driving force behind the success of Wigan Harriers. Combining coaching, officiating, team management and club administration, she has repeatedly stepped into challenging roles to support athletes and strengthen the club. Her leadership during significant administrative change helped modernise operations, improve governance and support substantial membership growth. Alongside this, Rebekah continues to coach athletes ranging from beginners to international competitors while creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Her tireless commitment, technical expertise and selfless service have had a profound impact on athletes, volunteers and the wider athletics community.

Winner: Daniel Statham (Levenshulme Runners)

Daniel Statham has played a transformative role in the continued growth of Levenshulme Runners. As Coaching Coordinator, he has dedicated countless hours to organising club sessions, supporting volunteer leaders and creating clear development pathways for runners of all abilities. His introduction of successful Couch to 5K and progression programmes has helped many people overcome barriers to participation and achieve milestones they never thought possible. Much of Dan’s work happens quietly behind the scenes, yet it has been fundamental to the club’s success. His commitment, leadership and passion for helping others have helped create a stronger, more connected running community.

Winner: Carl Foster (Wigan Harriers)

Carl Foster has become one of the most influential figures at Wigan Harriers through his unwavering commitment to athlete development, volunteer support and club leadership. As coach and Chair, Carl consistently goes above and beyond to create opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities to succeed. Renowned for his athlete-centred approach, he adapts his coaching to meet individual needs and supports athletes far beyond training sessions, often travelling across the country to provide guidance and encouragement. Carl’s commitment extends beyond his own club, supporting coaches, volunteers and athletes throughout the region. His leadership, expertise and genuine care have helped transform the experiences of countless participants within athletics.

Winner: Sarah Hodgson-Jones (Ambleside AC)

Sarah Hodgson-Jones has played a transformative role in the development of the junior section at Ambleside AC. Through countless volunteer hours, she has established coaching structures, safeguarding systems, coach development programmes and policies that have strengthened the club for future generations. Her vision has helped create an inclusive and supportive environment where young athletes can develop confidence, resilience and a love of running in the fells and mountains. Sarah has also championed mountain safety education, ensuring children gain valuable skills alongside their sporting development. Her leadership, dedication and passion have helped create a thriving junior community that continues to grow and succeed.

Winner: Norman Mitchell (Hyndburn AC)

Norman Mitchell is a cornerstone of athletics in Lancashire, dedicating countless hours to coaching, officiating, event organisation and club administration. Through his roles at Hyndburn AC, the Mid Lancs Track and Field League and Lancashire Athletics, Norman works tirelessly to ensure athletes have opportunities to train, compete and develop. Often working quietly behind the scenes, he manages league competitions, organises championships and provides practical support wherever needed. His reliability, attention to detail and willingness to serve others have helped sustain important competition pathways throughout the region. Norman’s contribution exemplifies the dedication on which grassroots athletics depends.

Winner: Raymond Cox (Isle of Man Athletics Association)

Raymond Cox has provided exceptional leadership and stability to athletics on the Isle of Man during a period of significant change. Stepping forward as Chair when strong leadership was needed most, he has worked tirelessly to strengthen governance, support volunteers and create a clear vision for the future of the association. Alongside his leadership role, Ray remains heavily involved in the delivery of major athletics competitions and community sporting events, including the Isle of Man Track and Field League and the iconic Parish Walk. His calm approach, dedication and commitment to service have made a lasting impact on athletics and the wider sporting community.

Winner: Richie Stevenson (Manx Fell Runners)

For more than half a century, Richie Stevenson has been one of the driving forces behind fell running on the Isle of Man. As Chairman of Manx Fell Runners, race organiser, volunteer and competitor, he has dedicated countless hours to developing and promoting the sport he loves. Richie has played a central role in building participation, strengthening race delivery and growing iconic events such as the Manx Mountain Marathon, which has expanded from a small gathering into a major fixture attracting hundreds of competitors. His leadership, passion and unwavering commitment have left an extraordinary legacy for fell running and the wider athletic community.

Winner: Jackie Crumpton (Nantwich Running Club)

Jackie Crumpton plays a pivotal role in the success of Nantwich Running Club through her dedication, organisation and commitment to supporting runners of all abilities. As Run Leader Manager, committee member and run leader, she coordinates more than ten pace groups every club night, ensuring sessions remain safe, welcoming and well supported. Behind the scenes, Jackie manages leader rotas, supports new volunteers and helps oversee access to groups for hundreds of members. She also plays a key role in delivering the club’s successful Couch to 5K programme, helping new runners gain confidence and build lasting connections. Her commitment keeps the club thriving week after week.

Unsung Project of the year

Winner: Lostock AC - wellbeing project

Lostock AC’s community wellbeing project has demonstrated how athletics can be used as a force for positive social change. Supported through lottery funding, the initiative has extended far beyond traditional club activity, delivering Couch to 5K programmes, fitness and wellbeing sessions, school engagement projects and charitable initiatives across the local community. The project has helped introduce new people to running, supported young adults with additional needs and promoted healthier lifestyles through practical education and physical activity. Through volunteer development and community partnerships, Lostock AC has created lasting opportunities that improve wellbeing, increase participation and strengthen community connections far beyond the boundaries of the club itself.

Runner up: Chester Triathlon Club - Dabbers Dash

Dabbers Dash has grown into an outstanding community initiative that brings people together through movement, inclusion and social connection. Established as a volunteer-led run, walk and wheel event, the project creates a welcoming environment where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can participate without pressure or barriers. Through partnerships with charities, healthcare organisations, support groups and local services, Dabbers Dash has become a platform for raising awareness, supporting wellbeing and strengthening community networks. Its ability to connect participants who might otherwise never meet demonstrates the transformative power of physical activity and makes Dabbers Dash a remarkable example of community engagement through sport.

Services to Athletics and Running

Winner: Angela Pike (Leigh Harriers)

For nearly two decades, Angela Pike has been a cornerstone of Leigh Harriers, serving as athlete, coach, secretary, official, organiser and mentor. Her contribution extends far beyond any single role, helping drive the club’s development while inspiring generations of athletes and volunteers. Angela’s commitment to coaching young people, supporting competitions and strengthening club operations has had a profound impact at club, county and regional level. Never seeking recognition, she consistently puts the needs of others first and embodies the spirit of volunteer service. Her dedication, leadership and unwavering support have left a lasting legacy throughout athletics in Greater Manchester and beyond.

Winner: Fiona Healy (Bury Athletic Club)

Fiona Healy has devoted more than 20 years to athletics through coaching, officiating and volunteer leadership at Bury Athletic Club. Her commitment to developing young athletes has helped countless children gain confidence, improve performance and develop a lifelong love of sport. Beyond coaching, Fiona stepped forward to qualify as a starter and official when these roles were urgently needed, ensuring competitions could continue successfully. She also plays an active role in club governance and wider athletics development across Greater Manchester. Through selfless service, enthusiasm and dedication, Fiona has strengthened athletics pathways, supported the next generation and helped safeguard the future of grassroots athletics.

Winner: Steve Duxbury (Rossendale Harriers/Vice Chairman at Lancashire Athletics)

Steve Duxbury has devoted more than 40 years to supporting athletics through coaching, administration, officiating and volunteer leadership. A key figure within Rossendale Harriers, the Red Rose Cross Country League and Lancashire Athletics, Steve has played an instrumental role in developing opportunities for runners and athletes across the region. He has organised championships, managed representative teams, coached athletes to national and international success and consistently provided support wherever needed. Respected for his knowledge, calm leadership and athlete-first approach, Steve’s dedication has helped shape the athletics landscape across Lancashire. His lasting contribution makes him a truly deserving recipient of this award.