Megan was nominated for the award by the director of WeSwim, which aims to increase opportunities for people with disabilities to swim in London. Credit: Getty
SHARE:
A Hornsey local has won the BBC’s ‘Unsung Hero Award’ in recognition of her contribution to community sport.
Megan Allen, 30, took the award for the London region, meaning she is now in the running to win in the volunteer category at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards later this month.
Megan has been volunteering for two years with WeSwim, an organisation dedicated to increasing opportunities for people with disabilities to swim in London.
The WeSwim scheme recognises the mental, physical and social benefits of community clubs where everyone is welcome. The organisation relies on volunteers like Megan to provide welcoming and safe swimming sessions for swimmers with disabilities.
Natasha Fleming, director of WeSwim, nominated Megan for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year’s Unsung Hero Award and said: “Megan really stands out as an unsung hero. She turns up every week without fail.
“Our swimmers have a range of needs – from needing mobility support like wheelchairs or walkers, to not being able to speak following a stroke, learning disabilities or other hidden disabilities.
“Some of them need help getting in to or around the pool with a hoist. All of then need patience and a safe space where they aren’t judged. Megan is really caring and able to have fun with our swimmers too, helping them to get the most out of their sessions.
“Many swimmers have ongoing issues to face, whether it’s constant pain, transport challenges or long-term illness or financial difficulties, but when they come together with Megan they are a smiling, friendly group and her influence has meant they support each other outside their sessions too, messaging each other throughout the week.”
Megan helps at the WeSwim initiative alongside her full-time job helping the migrant community. As well as leading the swimming sessions, Megan contributes to WeSwim’s social media which brings in new volunteers and new swimmers.
Fifteen regional BBC Unsung Hero winners will be considered for the prize which will be announced at Sports Personality of the Year Awards show on 19th December 2023 in Salford.
‘WeSwim’ raises its funds through donations from trusts, grants, businesses and individuals to help run the clubs, enabling disabled Londoners to enjoy the therapy that water brings, in safe and supportive company.
WeSwim sessions take place at Park Road Pools and Fitness every Monday at 6pm.
Submitted Article
Headline
Short Headline
Standfirst
Published Article
HeadlineLondoner wins BBC Sports award
Short Headline Hornsey volunteer awarded for contribution to Community swim scheme
StandfirstA north Londoner has scooped the national award for volunteering at disabled swimming scheme 'WeSwim'
A Hornsey local has won the BBC’s ‘Unsung Hero Award’ in recognition of her contribution to community sport.
Megan Allen, 30, took the award for the London region, meaning she is now in the running to win in the volunteer category at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards later this month.
Megan has been volunteering for two years with WeSwim, an organisation dedicated to increasing opportunities for people with disabilities to swim in London.
The WeSwim scheme recognises the mental, physical and social benefits of community clubs where everyone is welcome. The organisation relies on volunteers like Megan to provide welcoming and safe swimming sessions for swimmers with disabilities.
Natasha Fleming, director of WeSwim, nominated Megan for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year’s Unsung Hero Award and said: “Megan really stands out as an unsung hero. She turns up every week without fail.
“Our swimmers have a range of needs – from needing mobility support like wheelchairs or walkers, to not being able to speak following a stroke, learning disabilities or other hidden disabilities.
“Some of them need help getting in to or around the pool with a hoist. All of then need patience and a safe space where they aren’t judged. Megan is really caring and able to have fun with our swimmers too, helping them to get the most out of their sessions.
“Many swimmers have ongoing issues to face, whether it’s constant pain, transport challenges or long-term illness or financial difficulties, but when they come together with Megan they are a smiling, friendly group and her influence has meant they support each other outside their sessions too, messaging each other throughout the week.”
Megan helps at the WeSwim initiative alongside her full-time job helping the migrant community. As well as leading the swimming sessions, Megan contributes to WeSwim’s social media which brings in new volunteers and new swimmers.
Fifteen regional BBC Unsung Hero winners will be considered for the prize which will be announced at Sports Personality of the Year Awards show on 19th December 2023 in Salford.
‘WeSwim’ raises its funds through donations from trusts, grants, businesses and individuals to help run the clubs, enabling disabled Londoners to enjoy the therapy that water brings, in safe and supportive company.
WeSwim sessions take place at Park Road Pools and Fitness every Monday at 6pm.
