Volunteer of the Year removes hurdles to horse-riding for the disabled

Monday, 14 February 2022 12:39

By Emma Downes @emma_downes2021

Volunteer of the Year 2022 Janette Sykes (left) with Jane Corrall.

A trustee for a charity which gives disabled people a new perspective on life through horse-riding has been named Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her 35 years of support.

Journalist Janette Sykes, 64, who volunteers with the Helen Atkin Group Buxton RDA, was awarded the Pat Bishop Trophy by the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) North Midlands region.

As well as being a trustee, she has used her skills to promote riding for the disabled and worked week-in, week-out behind the scenes.

A rider since she was 11, Janette has always loved horses, and volunteering with RDA gives her the opportunity to share her enthusiasm for all things equine with other people.

Jane Corrall, Leicester County RDA Chair who presented Janette with the award, said: “It’s a richly deserved award for somebody who has gone over and beyond what many volunteers are able to do.”

Nominated for the award by Helen Atkin Group Buxton RDA Chairman Janine Frost, Janette has been involved with the Buxton-based group since she moved to the town in 1989 having previously volunteered for a group in Chesterfield.

Janette was delighted by the award, not just on her own account, but on behalf of all the volunteers, Trustees, instructors, riders, schools, parents, carers, and everyone at Buxton Riding School who help to make Helen Atkin Group Buxton RDA such a huge and enduring success.

“I’m very honoured and proud to be part of such a dedicated, hard-working and supportive team,” she said.