Lions Running Community receives The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

15 November 2023

The Lions Running Community, a free RunTogether group based in Chorley, have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

The RunTogether group has been operating with the help of volunteers for 12 years and they support the local community with their running and fitness dreams no matter who they are.

The Lions pride themselves on ensuring inclusivity in sport and regularly support visually impaired runners to take part in training runs, Parkruns and races.

About the King’s Award

This club is one of only 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award. Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK.

The Lions Running Community will receive the award crystal and certificate from Amanda Parker, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire.

Let’s hear from Group Leader, Shelby

Shelby Williams, Coach for the Lions Running Community, said:

“As a club, we are delighted that our group’s work has been recognised, and the hard work and commitment of our volunteers has been rewarded. Our volunteers ask for nothing in return for their time and dedication, so this award is great recognition for them. It is even more special as the nomination has been made by people in our local community.

“The Lions are at the heart of our local community and support individuals from all backgrounds to return to, or start running, and keep active and fit, which is so important in today’s world.

“Equally important however, is the camaraderie and feelings of community that people get when they become part of the Lions and we encourage this as much as we do the running.”