Unsung Hero Award Finalists
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The Unsung Hero Award recognises a volunteer who gives up their own time to a club, association, activity or project for the benefit of the participants and/or community. It celebrates those who have made a significant impact through their volunteering and support opportunities for people to be more active.
Our Finalists
Julie Mole
Julie Mole has been a transformative figure in the Lincoln and District Angling Association (LDAA), where she volunteers. With over 1,000 members, the LDAA provides outdoor angling opportunities around Lincoln. Julie, who has served in multiple roles, including community liaison officer, chairperson, and secretary, leads a team of over 30 volunteers, managing daily operations and modernising the association.
Under her leadership, the LDAA has shifted from a traditional fishing club to an environmentally conscious sporting association. Julie collaborates with organisations like the Angling Trust and the Environment Agency to organise activities such as litter picking, invasive species management, and environmental education, raising awareness about ecological issues. Julie also fosters relationships with local businesses and parish councils, supporting festivals and local commerce.
A strong advocate for education, Julie partners with groups like the Pike Anglers Club and Canal and River Trust to enhance members' skills. As the LDAA’s first female chairperson, Julie has pushed for greater inclusivity, striving to diversify both the volunteer workforce and the membership base. Her commitment and leadership have transformed the LDAA, promoting partnership, inclusivity, and environmental awareness.
Charles Rogers (swim coach)
Charles Rogers has dedicated over 47 years to swimming coaching. He began coaching at 18 and he is now 75. For the past 15 years, he has volunteered over 10 hours per week as head coach of the Skegness Swim Team, including early mornings and evenings. Early in his career, Charles coached both high-performance athletes and individuals in the criminal justice system. He also collaborated with others in coaching the Team GB youth squad, with one swimmer going on to compete in five Olympic Games. After a 10-year coaching hiatus during his career, Charles returned to coaching in retirement, helping to expand the Skegness club and its volunteer base. Initially focused on competitive swimming, Charles adapted his skills at Skegness to welcome swimmers of all levels and ambitions. He supports young people through personal challenges, encouraging them to stay in the sport as long as they wish.
His, no-pressure approach emphasises personal goal-setting and enjoyment of the sport, fostering a culture where swimmers remain passionate about swimming, even if they don't pursue it competitively. Charles has helped swimmers achieve personal, county, regional, and national championship times and has traveled across the country to support them in competitions. Many of his swimmers have gone on to become lifeguards and coaches, some even saving lives on local beaches. Charles is also committed to mentoring new coaches, sharing his vast knowledge and unique teaching style with others.
Debbie Prince (Debbie's Wednesday Walking Group)
For seven years Debbie Prince has organised a free weekly meet up and walk. Debbie gives up her time through the suitable weather months to encourage people to be more active. She motivates group participants to walk on a regular basis, but allows the pace to be set by the ability of the members. Debbie is so welcoming and there is a real sense of community to the sessions.
Debbie puts a real level of effort into making sure everybody feels welcome -this year the group have Walking Wednesday Group hats to easily identify their walking friends and Wren the dog who comes along with their owner even has her own bandana. Debbie puts a lot of effort into raising awareness of her free walking group and generally sharing motivation and positivity to everyone both in person and via social media.
