Hornsey woman named 'unsung hero' for supporting disabled swimmers

Megan Allen is a contender to take home the top prize for volunteers at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards on 19th December

Megan Allen (right) with John, one of the swimmers she helps

A woman from Hornsey has won an award from the BBC in recognition of her contribution to community sport.

Megan Allen, aged 30, won the BBC’s ‘Unsung Hero Award’ for the London region, meaning she is now a contender to take home the top prize for volunteers at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards later this month.

Megan, who is based at Park Road Pools and Fitness in Crouch End, has been volunteering for two years with WeSwim, an organisation dedicated to increase opportunities for people with disabilities to swim in London.

WeSwim recognises the mental, physical and social benefits of community-led clubs where everyone is welcome and relies on volunteers like Megan to provide welcoming and safe swimming sessions for swimmers with disabilities.

Megan was nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year’s Unsung Hero Award by Natasha Fleming, director of WeSwim. Natasha said: “Megan really stands out as an unsung hero. She turns up every week without fail.

“Our swimmers have a range of needs from needing mobility support like wheelchairs or walkers to not being able to speak following a stroke, learning disabilities or other hidden disabilities.

“Some of them need help getting in to or around the pool with a hoist. All of then need patience and a safe space where they aren’t judged. Megan is really caring and able to have fun with our swimmers too, helping them to get the most out of their sessions.

“Many swimmers have ongoing issues to face, whether it’s constant pain, transport challenges or long-term illness or financial difficulties but when they come together with Megan they are a smiling, friendly group and her influence has meant they support each other outside their sessions too, messaging each other throughout the week.”

Megan volunteers alongside her full-time job helping the migrant community and, as well as running swim sessions she finds time to help with WeSwim’s social media too, bringing in new volunteers and reaching new swimmers.

Natasha added: “Megan is always found having a laugh and is the perfect leader. She inspires others and helps people be the best they can be – we need more Megans in the world!”

BBC London sports reporter Chris Slegg said: “There were a huge number of really worthy nominees but what really stood out in the nomination we received for Megan was the transformative effect she’s clearly had on so many swimmers. She obviously has a wonderful ability to get the best out of other people and everyone she coaches holds her in such high regard.”

Anthony Cawley, CEO at registered charity Fusion Lifestyle which manages Park Road Pools and Fitness, added: “We are delighted that Megan has won this award and wish her all the best for the finals. She brings positivity and enthusiasm to our centre at Park Road Pools and Fitness and is a really valuable part of the team.”

All 15 regional BBC Unsung Hero winners will now be considered for the overall winner prize which will be announced live at the Sports Personality of the Year Awards show on Tuesday, 19th December, at Media City UK in Salford.

WeSwim relies on donations from trusts, grants, businesses and individuals to help run its clubs, enabling the least active Londoners to enjoy the freedom of weightlessness that water brings, in a safe, supportive community environment.

WeSwim sessions take place at Park Road Pools and Fitness every Monday at 6pm. To find out more about these and other WeSwim sessions, volunteering opportunities and more:
Visit www.weswim.club

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