Volunteer Awards evening 2025: East Midlands
This weekend it was the turn of the East Midlands for the latest instalment of the Regional Volunteer Awards. It was a wonderful ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel in Nottingham, celebrating the outstanding contributions volunteers from across the region. A huge congratulations to all of the nominees and winners.
Club Volunteer of the year
Winner: Angela Ward (Derby AC)
Angela is the heart of Derby AC, known for her warmth, dedication, and tireless support. For over 15 years, she’s welcomed new members, attended training sessions, and helped run events. Her calm leadership as Chairperson guided the club through challenges, while her efforts secured major competitions and boosted the club’s profile. Angela has been instrumental in supporting junior athletes and generating vital funds through event management. Her resilience, kindness, and unwavering commitment make her an irreplaceable figure at Derby AC.
Runner up: Derry French (North Derbyshire RC)
Derry is the driving force behind his running club’s growth, inclusivity, and community impact. As Chair, he’s grown membership by over 25%, supported every member personally, and championed mental health through running. He leads by example: coaching, pacing, and supporting Couch to 5k participants, often sacrificing his own goals for others. Derry fosters partnerships, supports local races and charities, and ensures visibility through events like the Bolsover 10k and the club’s 40th anniversary. His empathy, leadership, and tireless dedication have created a welcoming, thriving club culture. Members are proud of him - because he’s always proud of them.
"We've attracted nearly 400 people now together, some of them are just there for our community!"
Runner up: Stefan Wilcockson (Mansfield Harriers)
Stef is a cornerstone of Mansfield AC, volunteering across multiple roles including team manager, coach, meeting organiser, duty track manager, and committee member. His leadership has helped grow a thriving sprints and hurdles group, introduced inclusive coaching sessions, and ensured the smooth running of financially vital fixtures. Stef’s time management, reliability, and collaborative style make him indispensable - recruiting volunteers, mentoring athletes, and maintaining club facilities. His efforts generate significant income and stability for the club, all while working full-time and raising a young family. Stef’s dedication, professionalism, and passion for athletics make him a truly outstanding volunteer.
Club of the year
Winner: Lincoln Wellington Athletic Club
Lincoln Wellington Athletic Club is a welcoming, inclusive community offering athletics for all ages and abilities. Through its 515 group, it nurtures young athletes and encourages members to become coaches and officials. Despite a sudden venue closure, the club adapted swiftly - relocating sessions, maintaining facilities, and hosting major events. Their resilience kept the club thriving and united. Environmentally conscious upgrades like LED lighting and moss roofing show their forward-thinking approach. With athletes excelling nationally and internationally - including Olympians and para champions - LWAC continues to inspire. Their commitment to development, sustainability, and excellence makes them a standout club.
"We're not a big city, but we have a lot of members. There is a family-like feel to Lincoln Wellington."
Runner up: Retford AC
Retford Athletic Club is a vibrant, inclusive community where runners of all ages and abilities feel supported and valued. With thriving junior programmes, Couch to 5K initiatives, and structured sessions led by qualified volunteers, the club promotes wellbeing, development, and participation. Over the past year, it has strengthened governance, expanded its volunteer base, and invested in new equipment through grants and fundraising. Signature events like the Retford Half Marathon and Canal Relay celebrate community spirit. The club is also working to upgrade its clubhouse and training facilities, ensuring long-term sustainability. At Retford AC, every runner matters, and every effort is celebrated.
Runner up: Amber Valley & Erewash AC
Amber Valley and Erewash AC is a resilient, inclusive athletics club rooted in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. Post-Covid, it has grown by 24 members, reflecting its welcoming ethos. The club prioritises participation, wellbeing and community, offering flexible sessions and competitions across age groups. A five-session induction helps new members ease in, while a caring culture supports athletes beyond sport. Celebrating its 25th year, the club has expanded its coaching team, improved infrastructure, and boosted visibility. With strong attendance, competitive success, and a thriving social spirit, it continues to be a place where people connect, grow, and feel part of something special.
"The volunteers that we have are very precious. Without them, Amber Valley and Erewash AC would not be what it is."
Coach of the year
Winner: Marjolein Templeton (Retford AC)
Marjolein is a powerhouse coach whose dedication, creativity, and mentorship have transformed her Retford AC. She expanded training beyond scheduled hours, adopted jumps coaching, and introduced inclusive trials to retain struggling athletes. Her innovative sessions - like rugby ball throws and mini competitions - boost engagement and confidence. She’s mentored new coaches, supported disability athletes, and helped juniors rediscover their love for athletics. Marjolein also runs competitively, and has also completed Level 3 coaching qualifications in jumps and endurance. Her leadership inspires juniors and parents alike, growing the senior club and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone is encouraged to thrive.
"We've had to find ways to develop our coaching to make the best of the facilities we've got and also form allegiances with other clubs nearby."
Runner up: Julia Churcher-Upton (Diamond Runners)
Julia is a driving force behind her running group’s inclusive, supportive ethos. Over the past year, she’s grown as a coach, offering 1:1 technique sessions, mentoring new LiRFs, and organising talks on topics like menopause and sports bra fittings. As a mental health champion, she’s approachable and compassionate, helping runners of all abilities feel seen and supported. Her sessions are varied, inclusive, and goal-oriented, with a strong community spirit. Even through personal health challenges, Julia remained present and adaptable - showing true resilience. Her leadership has boosted member confidence, retention, and personal achievements, making her a standout volunteer and coach.
"Knowing that you're there to support the group, and help mental well-being by doing so, is really important."
Runner up: Darren Toyn (Mansfield Harriers)
Darren is an exceptional coach whose dedication, empathy, and expertise have transformed both athletes and coaching culture. He leads with meticulous planning, clear communication, and a deep commitment to athlete development. His sessions are inclusive, varied, and engaging, helping retain juniors and attract seniors. Darren’s support extends beyond sport; he’s there in tough times, showing genuine care. He continually develops himself through seminars and literature, and his athletes consistently improve, with standout performances at national and international levels. Darren’s impact is profound: he inspires athletes, uplifts fellow coaches, and embodies the ethos of making everyone the best they can be.
Community Project of the year
Winner: Diamond Runners
Diamond Runners have made a powerful impact by launching free wellbeing walks to support their local community. Starting with a paid walking group in December 2024, they partnered with Northamptonshire Council to offer insured, volunteer-led walks at no cost. 14 volunteers qualified as walk leaders, and walks now run twice weekly, boosting confidence, fitness, and social connection. The initiative has welcomed newcomers, improved mental health, and reshaped perceptions of running clubs as inclusive spaces. With council support and glowing feedback, Diamond Runners continue to inspire - proving that small steps can lead to big changes in wellbeing and community engagement.
"The majority of clubs are about running, but there is something else you can offer to the community - you can offer free walks!"
Inspiring Official
Fred Pidgeon (Notts AC)
Fred has been a licensed athletics official since 1994, serving as a Level 3 field judge, Level 2 track judge, and Level 2 endurance official. His impact spans grassroots to national events, where his dedication, mentorship, and positivity have shaped the officiating community. Fred actively recruits and supports new officials, guiding them through their journey with patience and practical expertise. His calm, respectful communication and hands-on coaching build confidence and foster inclusion. Fred’s legacy is one of tireless service, uplifting others, and creating a welcoming environment that reflects the very best of athletics officiating.
Colin Palmer (Notts AC)
Colin has been a licensed athletics official since 2003, serving as a Level 4 timekeeper, Level 3 photo-finish judge, and Level 1 course tutor. His dedication spans grassroots to international events, and his impact on officiating is profound. A tireless advocate for recruitment and retention, Colin mentors new officials with patience and positivity, guiding them through their journey with hands-on support. His professionalism, empathy, and clear communication foster confidence and inclusivity. Colin’s legacy is one of excellence, mentorship, and community-building - he’s not just an official, but a pillar of the sport whose influence continues to shape the future of athletics.
Emma Nicol
Emma has been a licensed official since 2016 and is now a Level 4 field judge, active across grassroots, regional, national, and international events. Emma exemplifies the highest standards of passion, dedication, and selflessness in the world of officiating. Her deep love for the sport shines through in every aspect of her work, and her unwavering commitment to supporting others is truly unmatched. Emma mentors new officials, fosters inclusive learning environments, and uplifts every team she joins. Her clear, empathetic communication and dedication to excellence ensure events are both well-run and welcoming. Beyond the field, she inspires through thoughtful guidance and tireless support, helping others grow in skill and confidence. Emma is a pillar of support and lasting source of inspiration.
"Every competition you're a part of a much larger team, and that team is just so generous with their time and their knowledge. It's just trying to pay it back."
Newcomer to Volunteering
Winner: Lee Westwood (Mansfield Harriers)
Lee is the quiet force behind Mansfield Harriers and AC, volunteering tirelessly in many unofficial roles. The club manages the track facility and is responsible for all maintenance, so as a former army member and demolition contractor, he brings vital skills - repairing facilities, laying concrete, and helping retain Trackmark Accreditation. Lee supports every home fixture, arriving early, staying late, and handling the heavy lifting. His generosity with time and effort is unmatched, and he’s inspired his daughters to volunteer too, one now serving on the committee. Lee’s reliability, humility, and hands-on support make him indispensable. He’s the kind of volunteer every club dreams of - modest, committed, and absolutely essential to its success.
Runner up: Samantha Marlton-Woods (Diamond Runners)
Sammie joined the club in December 2024 with a vision to bring inclusive running sessions to Wotton - and in just six months, she’s transformed the local running scene. Starting with one session a week, she now runs two weekly sessions with 20 to 30 attendees and over 70 members in her Facebook group. Her enthusiasm and inclusive ethos have led to the recruitment of two new LiRFs and a volunteer, growing overall club membership by a third. Now also a parkrun run director, Sammie designs varied, engaging sessions and ensures no one is left behind. Her impact on the community is inspiring.
"I put the feelers out within the local community and there was quite a bit of interest. I thought maybe one or two people would turn up and then before I knew it, there were about 60 people!"
Runner up: Sinead Butler (Start2Jog)
Sinead is a warm, approachable, and highly effective Membership Secretary for Start2Jog whose dedication has made a lasting impact on the club. Her friendly nature puts new members at ease, often leading to successful sign-ups, including in the junior section. She handles all membership matters with integrity, respect, and efficiency - providing regular updates and ensuring a smooth process for athletes of all abilities. Her work is so reliable that the Chairman never has to worry. Though often overlooked in awards, Sinead’s behind-the-scenes efforts are deeply valued. She’s also an inspiring athlete, making her a true asset to the club and its community.
Services to Athletics and Running
Matthew Long (New Levels Run Club)
Matt is a uniquely versatile figure in athletics, serving as a coach, educator, team manager for ESAA, Fell Running, and masters teams, commentator, and event organiser. His volunteer work spans elite and grassroots levels, including coaching at Loughborough University and managing teams from local to international levels. He’s authored over 400 unpaid coaching articles, mentored athletes globally, and supported Olympians and world champions. Matt’s dedication to coach education, parkrun volunteering, and event commentary reflects his passion for sport as a force for social good. Matt was the event founder of the Washland Relays, a race which has a 25 year history, and has regularly organised charity fun runs. His selfless service and expertise make him a true ambassador for athletics and community development.
John Thompson (Harborough AC)
John’s 62-year journey in athletics is a testament to lifelong dedication. A coach, official, athlete, and club leader, he’s shaped Harborough AC since 1985 - serving as Chair, Treasurer, Race Director, and more. His leadership helped grow the club from 55 to 220 members and laid the foundation for its National Club of the Year win in 2024. Passionate about junior development, he pioneered school partnerships and continues coaching weekly. From officiating at major events to volunteering at the Paralympics, John’s impact is vast. His resilience, mentorship, and love for the sport make him a true icon of grassroots athletics.