Volunteer sailing instructor Jean Paton from Lymington named BBC Unsung Hero of the Year
A VOLUNTEER sailing instructor who has dedicated nearly 40 years helping hundreds of children learn to sail in Lymington was this week named the BBC’s Unsung Hero of the Year.
After decades of teaching children at Salterns Sailing Club, 90-year-old Jean Paton received the honour during the star-studded TV show in Manchester on Tuesday.
As a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) dinghy instructor, Jean has helped train more than 800 youngsters, including future Team GB Olympian Hannah Snellgrove.
Described as a “cornerstone” of the sailing club’s twice annual ‘Moppy Camps’ for the past 20 years, Jean was named BBC South’s Unsung Hero of the Year earlier this month.
Winning the accolade put Jean in the running to be named the national award winner against 15 others.
Jean was presented the national award by one of Britain’s most successful Olympians, Dame Laura Kenny, and Radio 2 host Paddy McGuinness during the 71st edition of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards TV show.
Describing the children she instructs as “happy”, Jean told the BBC: “There’s always people to help us down here [at the club] and you need the adults to keep the children safe.”
When asked about her award nomination, Jean said that she was “totally surprised”, and added: “It’s nice that people appreciate it.”
On her efforts volunteering, Jean encouraged others to “go ahead and try” it for themselves.
Following her award win, Salterns Sailing Club president Phil Brown told the A&T: “Jean was named the winner, which is wonderful. It is fantastic recognition of an outstanding contribution.”
A spokesperson for the club said of her regional award: “Jean’s commitment, kindness and ever-patient approach was recognised and nominated for the BBC South award by our Commodore Abby Wright.
“Jean was selected from a huge number of nominations, recognising how she has enabled and helped young sailors find their passion on the water and, in some cases, go on to greatness like Hannah Snellgrove and her Olympic endeavours.”
A BBC South crew presented Jean with her local trophy during a surprise event at the club earlier this month. A number of Jean’s family, the club’s junior committee and members all attended to show their support despite the horrific weather.
Prior to her national award win, the club spokesperson had said: “We are all rooting for her, but irrespective, it’s a fantastic recognition for an old salt of Salterns.”
Salterns Sailing Club is a not-for-profit group that specialises in teaching children to sail.
