Regional Volunteers Awards 2026: East Midlands

This weekend we celebrated the amazing volunteers in the East Midlands at our 2026 Regional Volunteer Awards! It was great to celebrate the region's volunteers and recognise their dedication to and impact on our sport.

A huge congratulations to all of the nominees and winners - let's get to know our volunteers!

Club of the Year

Winner: Amber Valley & Erewash Athletic Club

Amber Valley & Erewash Athletic Club combines sporting opportunity with genuine community impact. Guided by its “run, jump, throw” philosophy, the club provides a welcoming environment for athletes of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Over the past year it achieved all seven England Athletics Club Standards, funded TrackMark accreditation, expanded its coaching and officiating workforce and strengthened its governance structure. Beyond athletics, the club has developed wellbeing walks, dementia awareness initiatives and strong community partnerships. With around 30 athletes representing Derbyshire and a Mini League title to celebrate, the club continues to demonstrate excellence both on and off the track.

Second place: Retford Athletic Club

Retford Athletic Club has continued to grow its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive community where participation, friendship and personal development are valued as highly as performance. Membership growth, a successful Couch to 5K programme and investment in volunteer development have helped strengthen the club over the past year. The club has also enhanced governance, developed ambitious facility plans and delivered a successful Retford Half Marathon that showcased its organisational strength and community spirit. Through dedicated volunteers, supportive coaching and a focus on wellbeing, Retford AC has created an environment where runners and athletes of all abilities can flourish.

Third place: Diamond Runners

Diamond Runners has built a remarkable reputation for inclusion, wellbeing and community support. The club offers opportunities for runners and walkers of all abilities while placing mental health and social connection at the heart of everything it does. Over the past year, members have led wellbeing walks, established a local 5k Your Way group, supported parkruns and developed one of the strongest Mental Health Champion networks in the region. A culture of encouragement, friendship and volunteer development has contributed to continued membership growth and an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported and empowered to reach their goals.

Unsung Hero of the Year

Rob Churcher-Upton (Diamond Runners)

Rob Churcher-Upton has transformed Diamond Runners into a thriving, inclusive community that extends far beyond running. As Club Secretary, Coach, Run Leader Mentor and England Athletics Mental Health Ambassador, he dedicates countless voluntary hours to supporting runners, clubs and communities across the region. Rob has championed mental wellbeing through initiatives such as #RunAndTalk, coffee chats and the development of a network of Mental Health Champions, while also mentoring leaders and supporting clubs with safeguarding and administration. His leadership has helped Diamond Runners expand across two counties, creating welcoming opportunities for participation, connection and personal development for runners of all abilities.

Sammie Marlton (Diamond Runners)

Sammie Marlton plays a pivotal role in the success and community spirit of Diamond Runners. Through organising and leading regular club sessions, acting as a parkrun Race Director and providing daily encouragement to members, she helps create an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported and motivated. Behind the scenes, Sammie dedicates significant time to organising activities, supporting individuals and celebrating achievements, helping members gain confidence and achieve goals they once thought impossible. Her leadership, commitment and genuine care for others have helped build a strong and inclusive running community where friendships flourish and participation continues to grow.

Elaine Danby (Rutland Running & Triathlon Club)

Elaine Danby is at the heart of Rutland Running & Triathlon Club, combining leadership, coaching and community spirit to create memorable experiences for members throughout the year. Whether organising events, catering for social gatherings, leading track and hill sessions or supporting runners preparing for major races, Elaine consistently goes above and beyond for others. Her marathon training plans have helped members achieve goals they previously thought unattainable, while her encouragement and warmth help create a welcoming and supportive club culture. Through her commitment, energy and generosity, Elaine has become a central figure in the club and a valued source of inspiration.

Paul Wilson (Chesterfield & District AC)

Paul Wilson has dedicated countless hours to creating competition opportunities for athletes across Chesterfield & District AC. As an official, organisers’ liaison and competitions coordinator, he works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure athletes of all ages can participate in local, regional and league competitions. Managing relationships with leagues, coordinating officials and overseeing competition arrangements, Paul performs the work of several roles while rarely seeking recognition. His commitment has ensured hundreds of athletes continue to access high-quality competitive opportunities throughout the year. Without his organisational expertise and dedication, many of the club’s competition pathways simply would not exist.

Claire Dimond (Rugby & Northants AC)

Claire Dimond’s commitment to her athletes extends far beyond the role of coach. As a dedicated jumps coach, she invests countless hours planning tailored sessions, analysing performances and providing personalised support that helps athletes grow in confidence and achieve their potential. Claire regularly gives up weekends to support athletes at competitions and training camps, ensuring they feel prepared and encouraged. Her ability to recognise and celebrate progress at every level creates a positive and motivating environment where athletes can flourish. Through her care, expertise and selfless commitment, Claire has had a lasting impact on both individual athletes and the wider club community.

Dan Humphrey (Amber Valley & Erewash AC)

Dan Humphrey is one of the key figures behind the continued success of Amber Valley & Erewash AC. As Treasurer, coach, committee member and developing official, he contributes across every aspect of club life. Alongside delivering specialist coaching sessions several times a week, Dan manages the club’s finances, helping secure a strong financial position that supports future growth and investment. He played a major role in achieving TrackMark accreditation, launching the club’s first licensed event and developing its website. His quiet dedication, reliability and willingness to take on responsibility have helped create opportunities that benefit every athlete and member of the club.

Dave Eldridge (Grantham Athletic Club)

For more than 50 years, Dave Eldridge has been a cornerstone of athletics in Grantham, dedicating his time, knowledge and enthusiasm to supporting athletes of all ages. As President, coach and volunteer, he leads junior sessions, supports senior endurance athletes and gives countless hours to local schools, cross country events and parkrun. Dave’s commitment extends far beyond coaching, maintaining equipment, preparing competition venues and ensuring athletes have every opportunity to participate and succeed. Having coached multiple generations of families, he remains a trusted mentor and role model whose passion, reliability and selflessness continue to shape the club and wider athletics community.

Hannah Kelley (Sutton in Ashfield Harriers & AC)

Hannah Kelley has been a driving force behind Sutton-in-Ashfield Harriers & AC for nearly three decades, serving as coach, official, team manager and club secretary. Alongside a demanding career in education, she delivers weekly funetics and junior coaching sessions, supports athletes at competitions and plays a leading role in organising innovative club events. Her Competition Knight initiative encouraged members of all ages, from under-9s to athletes in their 70s, to experience track and field in a fun and supportive environment. Through her dedication, leadership and commitment to inclusion, Hannah has helped strengthen club unity, develop young athletes and create opportunities for participation across the entire membership.

Joyce Stevens (Sutton in Ashfield Harriers & AC)

For more than 40 years, Joyce Stevens has been one of the most dedicated and dependable volunteers at Sutton-in-Ashfield Harriers & AC. As a coach, official and team manager, she supports athletes across every stage of their journey, coaching junior athletes, officiating at competitions and volunteering at cross country and Sportshall events throughout the year. Even during a recent period of poor health, Joyce returned to the track as soon as she was able, determined to continue supporting the young athletes she cares so deeply about. Her warmth, commitment and unwavering reliability have made her a familiar and valued figure within the club and wider athletics community.

Unsung Project of the Year

Winner: Amber Valley & Erewash Athletic Club

Amber Valley & Erewash Athletic Club’s Dementia Friends and Wellbeing Walks project demonstrates how athletics clubs can make a meaningful difference beyond sport. Developed in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, the initiative combines dementia awareness, gentle physical activity and social connection to support healthier communities. Monthly wellbeing walks welcome both club members and local residents, providing opportunities to exercise, learn about dementia prevention and build new friendships. Supported by local healthcare professionals, social prescribers and community partners, the project has already raised funds for the Alzheimer’s Society while creating an inclusive environment that promotes wellbeing, connection and long-term community engagement.

Runner up: Diamond Runners

Diamond Runners’ involvement in 5k Your Way has created an invaluable support network for people living with and beyond cancer, as well as their families and carers. Led by committed volunteers and ambassadors, the project encourages participants to remain active, connected and supported through the running community. Alongside wider wellbeing initiatives, mental health advocacy and community engagement, the project has helped introduce new people to running while creating safe and welcoming opportunities for conversation and peer support. By bringing clubs, parkruns and local communities together, Diamond Runners have demonstrated the power of running to improve wellbeing and strengthen social connections.

Services to Athletics and Running

Nick Reade (Rushcliffe AC & Notts AAA)

For more than 30 years, Nick Reade has been a highly respected and influential figure in athletics, dedicating his time and expertise to officiating, mentoring and supporting the sport at every level. As a field official, referee, international tutor and mentor, he has played a vital role in ensuring competitions run smoothly while developing the next generation of officials. Nick is renowned for his willingness to step in, solve problems and provide guidance wherever needed, always putting athletes and the sport first. His reliability, professionalism and commitment to inclusion have earned him widespread respect across the region, making a lasting contribution to athletics in Nottinghamshire and beyond.