We are so proud of Year 10 student Acacia Hawkins, who won the 2022 Young Person Inspirational Role Model Award at Braintree District Council’s Volunteer Awards held in August.

Acacia, 14, has a passion for running, and was given the award in recognition of her volunteering at both Great Notley parkrun and Great Notley junior parkrun since the age of seven.

She regularly volunteers at 5k including as number checker and pacer, and this year has often been the volunteer co-ordinator at the junior event.

Described as a “happy and smiley” girl with a hugely-positive outlook on life, Acacia encourages and inspires others and is well known to almost all the regular park runners.

A Parkrun representative said: “Well done Acacia and thanks for always being cheerful, helpful and encouraging to all our adult and junior parkrunners. We look forward to continuing to see your sparkly smile at both Great Notley parkrun events!”

Dad Simon, who put his daughter forward for the award, said: “My nomination was to recognise the hours and commitment Acacia has contributed to encourage others at junior parkrun and parkrun, whether participation driven by a desire to keep fit/active, or to develop their technique and competitive edge.”

He added: “By volunteering at a relatively young age, Acacia demonstrates to others that juniors can volunteer.  She is the first Great Notley junior to have volunteered at parkrun over 100 times.  Acacia thoughtfully and energetically delivers each role she volunteers for, and always puts an ‘Acacia twist’ into her delivery.”

This Young Person Inspirational Role Model award is in addition to the Jack Petchey Award given to Acacia by Notley in July, again for her volunteering at both Great Notley parkrun events.

With her prize money, Acacia has purchased a new trolley (pictured), which has been named ‘Pootle’!