COMMUNITY STARS: Praise for kind and willing volunteer

Doreen Cannon, of Northbrook Road, Worthing, volunteers at Worthing Archery Club and Worthing Scope’s day centre in Pavilion Road.

Doreen has been nominated in the best volunteer category of our awards by Vicki O’Connor.

Doreen volunteers at the archery club and trains the junior section, children between eight to 18, every week. She helps the children work towards the Archery GB certificate and organises events allowing them to compete in different local and regional events.

Nominator Vicki O’Connor, whose son is in the junior section, praised Doreen for her passion.

She said: “All she does is volunteer work out of the kindness of her heart. Archery is her passion, our children wouldn’t be up to the standard they are without her. I would love for Doreen to win this award as it would put a big smile on her face for a long time .

“What is remarkable is she’s in her late 70s and has done this for many years.”

Doreen has been the secretary for Sussex County Archery for 50 years and organises archery events such as the annual championships.

Doreen also volunteers at the Fitzalan Howard day centre for Worthing Scope every Thursday. The centre helps to support people with cerebral palsy and their families.

Doreen became involved with the charity after the death of her husband and has now become the vice-chairman of the charity.

Worthing Scope chief executive Pauline Fox said Doreen was a valuable member of the charity.

She said: “Amazingly, Doreen is one of our trustees. She helps with day-to-day activities and goes out into the community. The staff look to her for advice. She is a very well thought of, lovely, kind lady”.

Doreen was amazed to hear she had been nominated.

She said “ I am absolutely blown away. I thoroughly enjoy seeing the children.”

When asked about her work at the day centre, she said “I now go every week and it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I have made a lot of friends and it is very well organised.

“The staff down there are wonderful, as are the clients.”

Time is running out to nominate your community stars.

The deadline for nominations is October 26.

We know there are many worthy community stars who deserve to be recognised.

Everyone who is nominated will be invited to our awards ceremony at The Dome, Worthing, on Sunday, December 9.

You can nominate by filling in the form on the left.

The full list of categories for the awards can be found on the next page. They include carer of the year, star of the community, true inspiration, best volunteer, charity of the year, best friend, health heroes, best school/teacher, mini heroes, best shopworker/ shopkeeper, sporting achievement award, arts and entertainment and animal magic.