90-year-old volunteer crowned BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero of the Year

Jean Paton’s incredible four decades of dedication to volunteering at Salterns Sailing Club in Lymington has been celebrated at the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards 2024.

The 90-year-old ‘sailing supergran’ was named the overall Unsung Hero of the Year at the annual awards, having been one of 15 finalists from across the BBC nations and regions.

Jean has helped more than 800 children to learn to sail during her time at Salterns SC, which is a club for children, run by children with the support of adult instructors and volunteers.

The club is home to the British Sailing Team’s Hannah Snellgrove, who started sailing there at the age of eight and represented Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

She described Jean as “formidable”.

“She’s just the most fun, amazing person. You can just see the children looking at her with so much respect when she’s teaching them.”

Role model

Salterns SC Commodore Abby Wright said: “She has that understanding that every child doesn’t come in with the same ability, but she just helps them be the best that they can. 

“She demonstrates that whole meaning of an ‘Unsung Hero’. She’s so helpful, she’s so kind. She never looks for any recognition, she’s always just there.”

Neil Wharmby, Chief Instructor at Salterns SC, added: “What a role model. The kids see her turn up without question, rain or shine. She’ll come whatever the weather and she’ll entertain and she’s great with the kids.”

Jean was surprised with her award by Dame Laura Kenny and Paddy McGuinness at the event in Salford on Tuesday 17 December 2024, where she was joined on stage to collect her trophy by her son Rory and granddaughter Alex.

"I find it brings out their enthusiasm, they're friendly, it's something they can do. It just makes them happy,” said Jean on what it means to her to work with young people on the water.

When asked why people should consider volunteering in sport, she told presenter Alex Scott: “Go ahead and try because there’s always that child that needs your abilities.

“A child has a very short period of time when you can get through to them on some subject or other.”

Find out more about ways you can get involved in volunteering

Image credits: Lewis Coombes/BBC and BBC/Kerry Spicer