Volunteer Jean Paton won the BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero 2024 award.
Jean, who is 90, has worked at Salterns Sailing Club in Lymington, Hampshire, for the best part of four decades.
He is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) dinghy instructor.
Speaking to BBC One about the children at the sailing club, Jean said: “They’re friendly and it’s something they can do – it just makes them happy.”
During her time at Salterns, Jean helped over 800 children learn to sail.
The club, run by children with the support of adults, operates as a non-profit organization and twice a year organizes “Moppy Camps” – weekend sailing training courses accredited by the RYA.
Paton has been present at every camp since its inception 20 years ago and has taken on many roles that require not only sailing knowledge, but also leadership and the ability to inspire confidence in young sailors.
She received the award from Dame Laura Kenny – Britain’s most successful Olympian – and Radio 2’s Paddy McGuinness at the 71st edition of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
When asked what advice she would give to anyone considering volunteering, Jean added: “Go ahead and give it a try. There is always a child who needs your skills.
“A child has a few years before you can reach them.”
