Yvonne Mills wins BBC Unsung Hero award

Yvonne Mills receiving her BBC Unsung Hero award

Yvonne Mills, a volunteer at Roch Valley Raiders BMX Go-Ride club in Heywood, has won the North West BBC Unsung Hero award.

Yvonne has been given the award in recognition of the difference she has made to cycling in her local community.

The Unsung Hero award aims to recognise those who inspire people to get involved in playing sport in their community and rewards the remarkable achievements of people throughout the UK.

Having bought her two children bikes for Christmas, Yvonne was aware a local BMX track existed that was in a bad state of repair and decided she wanted to do something about it to provide local people with the opportunity to ride in a safe environment. In 2009, Yvonne set about regenerating the track and established Roch Valley Raiders BMX Club.

Yvonne said: “I felt completely overwhelmed when it was announced that I had won the award, it’s a real honour to be recognised in this way and means a lot knowing that not only the riders, parents and fellow volunteers recognise the dedication that goes into running the club, but also British Cycling and the BBC. It’s a fantastic achievement not just for myself, but for the club and BMX as a whole, and will hopefully encourage even more young people to get involved in the sport.

“Volunteering has given me so much more confidence and self-belief, and seeing the smiles of riders at race meetings or coaching is enough reward to know that my time and efforts are appreciated. This is just the icing on the cake.”

As club secretary, Yvonne is responsible for everything from handling the club’s administration to producing the club’s promotional material and applying for funding. Yvonne also coordinates the recruitment and training of volunteers and provides support to the members at every level, going above and beyond the expectations of a voluntary club secretary.

British Cycling’s Director of Coaching, Education and Development, John Mills, said: “Yvonne has turned the BMX track into a focal point of the community and given young people a real opportunity to achieve something they can be proud of every week at Roch Valley Raiders Go-Ride Club. She is tireless in her efforts and this award is deserved recognition of the incredible difference Yvonne has made in her community.”