Alison Grant and Michael Pusey were both recognised for their outstanding voluntary contributions to cycling in the New Year’s Honours list.
Alison Grant from Hillingdon Slipstreamers was recognised with a British Empire Medal for her services to cycling, whilst Michael Pusey, founder of Peckham BMX Club, was awarded an MBE for services to sport in South London.
British Cycling's director of coaching, education and development, John Mills, said: “We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of young people participating in cycling in recent years, and this would not be possible without a network of dependable and dedicated volunteers whose efforts are essential to the growth of grassroots sport.
“It’s fantastic to see Alison and Michael’s hard work and passion recognised at this level; it is testament to the continued commitment that they have shown not only to their Go-Ride Clubs, but to the sport as a whole.”
We spoke to the two volunteers about their volunteer journey and how they felt when they heard the news:
Michael Pusey (AKA CK Flash)
How did you get into volunteering and why is it so important?
“When I was presenting a radio show in London somebody asked me if I could help the kids at a BMX track and give something back to the community as I used to race BMX.
”You are not only helping out your local community but in return you gain valuable skills which can help you to get paid work.”
What does receiving the Honours mean to you?
“Although I’ve previously received awards for the work I’ve done with Peckham BMX (with the club supporting many National, European and World champions), it’s taken me over eight years to raise the money to build our national standard track in London so I’m really happy to be recognised.“
Where will you be keeping the award?
“I will be keeping the award at my mum's house so she can look at it every day and see what her son has achieved.”
Alison Grant
When did you start volunteering?
“I started volunteering over 20 years ago as a governor but it is with cycling that I have found more satisfaction as a volunteer as you get to see the results of your endeavours at every session. As with most volunteering I was asked; the club was short of someone to oversee sign-on so when I turned up with my son one day it all ballooned from there.”
What are your motivations?
“The reward is all in the smiles; knowing that what you have done has made a difference to someone. As ours is a children-only club I get to see our members develop into wonderful young teenagers, grow in confidence, enjoy their cycling and more often than not see their volunteer journeys begin.”
How did you feel when you first received the news and where will you keep the award?
“When it was announced it was surreal to see my name along with so many others who are such worthy recipients. I look upon it as a medal for the whole club as we all contribute.
“I will definitely take it [the award] down to the club to show everyone after I have received it. I have had the most wonderful messages from coaches, fellow volunteers and parents and members.”
What would you like to say to those that nominated you?
“THANK YOU!
“I have only recently discovered who was responsible for taking the time to nominate me. John Gunn and Stuart Smith were the driving force behind it and both worked so hard filling in forms and asking people from various walks of life who I had worked with to also act as nominees.
"I would also like to thank the sports development team from the local council who I work closely with, Steph from British Cycling, Alan from Field End, a school club we have links with and also Dave, the sergeant from the Metropolitan Police road and safety team who I had built up links with.
“There was also a nomination from a Young Volunteer, Hannah, that made me understand the impact you can have without realising it. So when you start having conversations with people you just never know where it will lead to. I owe them all a huge debt of gratitude and I will be thinking of all those who nominated me when I collect my medal.”
