Regional Volunteer Awards 2026: South East
Our series of 2026 Regional Volunteer Awards ceremonies continued last weekend with three more regions including the South East, celebrating the outstanding contributions from volunteers.
A huge congratulations to all of the nominees and winners - let's meet them!
Club of the year
Winner: Dartford Harriers AC
This club continues to demonstrate what a thriving athletics community can achieve through inclusivity, volunteer commitment and athlete-centred development. With more than 600 members spanning junior, senior and masters athletics, the club provides opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities to participate, develop and belong. A strong family culture, excellent coaching provision and highly effective governance have helped create an environment where every achievement is celebrated. The club has continued to invest in facilities, volunteers and member support while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere that attracts and retains participants. Its reputation for community spirit and athlete development makes it a worthy Club of the Year.
Second place: Fareham Running Club
Fareham Running Club continues to lead the way in creating an inclusive and supportive running community where wellbeing sits at the heart of everything it does. Through innovative initiatives including Couch to 5K, Back to Running, New Members' Nights and mental health programmes, the club provides opportunities for runners at every stage of their journey. Strong welfare support, cross-club collaboration and community engagement have strengthened both participation and member experience. Alongside successful event delivery and charitable activity, the club has developed an environment where people feel listened to, supported and valued. Fareham Running Club remains an outstanding example of community-focused running.
Third place: Gosport Road Runners
For more than four decades, Gosport Road Runners has been at the heart of its local community, combining a welcoming club culture with a strong commitment to charitable giving and community support. Members benefit from excellent coaching, inclusive programmes and a thriving social environment where achievements are celebrated regardless of ability. The club’s successful half marathon, community defibrillator initiative and support for local causes demonstrate its impact beyond running. Through volunteer dedication, strong leadership and a commitment to helping members achieve their goals, Gosport Road Runners continues to improve lives through sport and community connection.
Unsung Hero of the Year
Winner: Kate Bone (Muddy Runners)
Kate Bone has been a driving force behind Muddy Runners for more than a decade, combining coaching, leadership and mental health advocacy to improve the lives of countless runners. As a founding member, Coach, Run Leader Mentor and Mental Health Ambassador, she has championed initiatives that encourage participation, build confidence and promote wellbeing. Kate has led innovative projects including mindful running sessions, #LetsLiftTheCurfew activities and mental health awareness campaigns, while also supporting clubs, run leaders and community organisations beyond her own club. Her compassion, generosity and commitment to helping others ensure that athletics remains welcoming, inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Winner: Will Shippin and Gareth Warren (Redway Runners)
Will Shippin and Gareth Warren demonstrated extraordinary courage and calm under pressure when they helped save the life of a fellow runner who collapsed shortly before a club run. Acting immediately, Will initiated emergency procedures and began CPR while Gareth quickly secured medical assistance and a defibrillator. Together they provided vital support until emergency services arrived, actions that directly contributed to the runner making a full recovery. Beyond this extraordinary incident, both are respected Run Leaders who consistently support and encourage others within Redway Runners. Their quick thinking, selflessness and commitment to helping others exemplify the very best qualities of the running community.
Winner: Howard Jones (Dorking & Mole Valley AC)
Howard Jones is at the heart of Dorking & Mole Valley AC, contributing as a coach, mentor, race organiser, committee member and volunteer leader. Through free beginners’ courses, coaching sessions and volunteer development programmes, he has introduced many people to running while helping others develop their confidence and skills. Howard’s enthusiasm, knowledge and willingness to support anyone who needs help have strengthened every aspect of club life. From organising races and risk assessments to mentoring new coaches and run leaders, much of his work happens quietly behind the scenes. His dedication has helped create a welcoming, inclusive and thriving running community.
Winner: Allie Hodgson (Fareham Running Club)
Allie Hodgson has had a profound impact on Fareham Running Club through her dedication to supporting new and developing runners. Following the loss of fellow run leader Rach Hughes, Allie stepped forward to continue the work that meant so much to the club, helping grow the Couch to 5K programme and supporting runners taking their first steps into the sport. She consistently gives up her own training time to organise additional sessions, encourage struggling runners and ensure nobody feels left behind. Through kindness, patience and unwavering support, Allie has helped countless individuals gain confidence, achieve personal goals and feel part of the running community.
Winner: Andrew Trowell (Epsom & Ewell Harriers)
For eight years, Andrew Trowell has been an outstanding volunteer at Epsom & Ewell Harriers, giving his time and energy to support young athletes and fellow volunteers. As a Coaching Assistant, he coaches multiple sessions every week, mentors athletes, manages teams and willingly steps into additional roles whenever needed. Despite balancing demanding professional commitments, Andrew remains a constant and positive presence at the club. His encouragement, technical knowledge and genuine care help athletes build confidence, improve performance and develop a lasting love of athletics. Humble, reliable and selfless, Andrew is a volunteer whose impact reaches far beyond the track.
Winner: Finbarr Morley (Reading Joggers)
Finbarr Morley has become one of the most recognisable and influential members of Reading Joggers through his positivity, enthusiasm and commitment to inclusion. Known for his ability to connect with people and make everyone feel welcome, Fin continuously brings runners together through creative events, club activities and simple acts of kindness. Whether supporting runners through difficult periods, leading groups, recruiting new members or creating memorable social experiences, he helps foster the unique community spirit for which the club is known. Fin’s energy is infectious, his support unwavering and his contribution immeasurable. He embodies everything that makes grassroots running special.
Winner: Fiona Champness (Lingfield Running Club)
Fiona Champness has made an outstanding contribution to Lingfield Running Club through her leadership of the Lingfield 10s and her continued support of members as a Run Leader. Taking responsibility for one of the club’s flagship events, Fiona has dedicated countless hours to planning, volunteer coordination, stakeholder engagement and race management, ensuring the event remains successful and sustainable. Much of her work takes place behind the scenes and often goes unseen, yet it is critical to the smooth delivery of the race. Through organisation, collaboration and dedication, Fiona has strengthened the club and enriched the wider running community.
Winner: Michelle George-Barnes (Redway Runners)
Michelle George-Barnes has made a remarkable contribution to Redway Runners through her commitment to first aid education and member safety. As a nurse, runner and volunteer trainer, she has provided high-quality first aid training for run leaders and volunteers across the club, ensuring members are equipped with the skills and confidence to respond in emergencies. Her work has already had a real-world impact, with training she delivered helping save a runner’s life. Michelle’s dedication extends to club races and events, where she is a reassuring presence, always ready to provide support and assistance when needed.
Unsung Project of the year
Winner: Chichester Runners & Athletic Club - The Phil Baker Track
The Phil Baker Track represents the culmination of years of vision, fundraising and community collaboration. Developed through the dedication of Chichester Runners & Athletics Club and local partners, the project has delivered a state-of-the-art all-weather training facility that is transforming athletics opportunities across the area. Previously, athletes faced lengthy journeys to access track facilities, creating barriers to participation and development. The new track has significantly increased engagement in athletics, expanded opportunities for both junior and senior athletes, and created a lasting community asset accessible to clubs, schools and local organisations. The project has already changed the landscape of athletics in Chichester and will continue to benefit future generations.
Runner up: Fareham Running Club - Grow A Mo
Grow A Mo successfully used running and community spirit to spark meaningful conversations around men's mental health. Developed by Chris Holliday and Fareham Running Club, the initiative encouraged members to engage with important topics including mental health, suicide prevention and cancer awareness through a month-long awareness campaign. While raising almost £850 for charity, the project's greatest achievement was creating a supportive environment where members felt comfortable sharing experiences, checking in on one another and seeking support when needed. Through humour, inclusivity and genuine care, Grow A Mo strengthened club culture and left a lasting legacy of openness and wellbeing.
Services to Athletics and Running
Winner: Trevor Kettle (Fareham Running Club)
For more than a decade, Trevor Kettle has been a driving force behind mental health support within grassroots athletics. As one of England Athletics’ first Mental Health Champions and now Mental Health Secretary at Fareham Running Club, he has helped transform attitudes towards wellbeing within the running community. Through initiatives including #RunAndTalk, welfare programmes and innovative club culture projects, Trevor has created safe spaces where runners feel supported both on and off the course. Drawing on professional expertise and personal experience, he has worked tirelessly to ensure people feel connected, valued and able to access help when needed.
Winner: Dave Worsell (Lingfield Running Club)
Dave Worsell has dedicated more than 40 years to athletics through coaching, volunteering and community leadership. As Head Coach at Lingfield Running Club, he has helped countless runners develop confidence, improve performance and enjoy lifelong participation in the sport. A highly respected volunteer with more than 325 parkrun credits, Dave played a key role in establishing East Grinstead parkrun and now supports events across the region as a parkrun Ambassador. His commitment extends far beyond coaching sessions, helping build stronger running communities and ensuring opportunities remain accessible to everyone. His service has left a profound and lasting impact.
Winner: Mark Hookway (Tonbridge AC)
Mark Hookway has devoted his athletics life to developing athletes and strengthening Tonbridge AC. Beginning as a junior athlete himself, he later turned his attention to coaching and played a pivotal role in building one of the country’s most successful distance-running programmes. Through meticulous coaching, athlete development and strategic vision, Mark has overseen multiple national team successes while helping countless athletes progress to regional, national and international level. Beyond coaching, he contributes through club administration, event organisation and mentoring others within the sport. His passion, innovation and commitment have shaped athletics in Kent and inspired generations of runners.