The latest in a series of ‘Most Deserving’ awards run by Motors.co.uk has come to a fantastic end. 63 year old gymnastics coach and Club Secretary of Fareham School of Gymnastics, Barbara Dimmer, has been announced winner of the Most Deserving Sports Hero award, the perfect end to what has been a superb sporting summer!
A battle with cancer and a stroke forced Barbara to retire from her job as a teacher, now ten years ago. It was at this time she became involved with the Fareham School of Gymnastics, which was set up by her daughter Clare. Her introduction to the club was as its secretary, but later went on to include coaching the gymnasts which go there.
Barbara became known to the Motors.co.uk judging panel thanks to the submission made by Katy Perry; Club and Volunteering Manager at British Gymnastics, (governing body to the club). Barbara’s dedication to British gymnastics shone through amongst other candidates, due to the time and energy Barbara spends helping the club to grow.
Club membership has increased to over 400 since it began in 2004, and whilst Barbara works tirelessly during the week and at weekends to coach existing classes, she’s also busy raising funds to build a new facility which will allow the club to take on some of the 100 gymnasts on their waiting list.
The ‘Most Deserving’ award was set up in 2012 to give recognition to individuals seen to be going the extra mile in their work, studies or volunteering. Since that time, it has given away several prize vehicles and cash donations to help winners, such as Barbara, to continue in their efforts.
Motors.co.uk travelled to Fareham School of Gymnastics, near Portsmouth to meet Barbara as part of an award ceremony. Enjoy the moment they met by watching this short film:
As part of the prize, Motors.co.uk gave Barbara a Vauxhall Zafira, which will be used to transport gymnasts and club staff to and from displays and competitions. The award has also paid into the fund-raising pot for the new purpose-built unit, which will help the club take on more 2016 Olympic hopefuls!
