Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers receive the King's Award for Voluntary Service

Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers, an England Athletics affiliated club, have been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

The Award is a credit to all the hard work of the club committee, chaired by Trudy Morrice, coaches, including Head Coach Rob Burn, and all of the members.

About the King’s Award

Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers are one of 231 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

The club's work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award. The King’s Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK.

Rob Burn, Head Coach at Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers, said:

"This is an amazing achievement for everyone involved in the club. The club run sessions at the Sowerby Sports Village twice a week, organising several local races, including kids' fun runs, donating to community organisations, running a very successful beginners' course, and volunteering at events and other races."