Special recognition for long term volunteer at Scropton Riding for the Disabled Group

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On the 12th of January 2024, Glynis Dalley, a 61-year-old volunteer was awarded the North Midlands Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Volunteer of the Year Award 2024, commemorated by the Pat Bishop Memorial Shield. With over 20 years’ experience, Glynis’s dedication has impacted both Scropton RDA Group, based in Derbyshire, but also by the North Midlands Region as a whole, for her role in organising the regional qualifiers for the RDA National Championships.

At her local group, Glynis has volunteered with Scropton RDA Group since her son Matt started riding there over 20 years ago. Now a Group trustee, she has taken on a wide variety of volunteer roles, and is now instrumental in working behind the scenes to support the running of the centre, as well as supporting fundraising, publicity and IT. Centre Manager Reneta Milward says, “Glynis has one goal, to help bring the joy and benefits of activities with horses to all who need it. We would like to say a huge thank you for all she does.” 

For the region, Glynis organises a series of annual competitions to help RDA riders in the North Midlands Region qualify to take part in the RDA National Championships, ensuring as many riders as possible can benefit from this fantastic opportunity. Fellow Regional Volunteer Jackie Selby said, “Glynis quietly gets on with what needs to be done, providing invaluable support to our RDA Region.”

Glynis has supported her son Matt to take part in RDA activities for over 20 years, during which time he has benefitted from both riding and volunteering. Matt has himself become an ambassador for RDA and has been recognised nationally for both riding and volunteering. 

“Being involved with RDA has been life changing for our son Matt, and therefore made a massive difference to our whole family too.”

- Glynis Dalley

“Being involved with RDA has been life changing for our son Matt, and therefore made a massive difference to our whole family too. I just want to make sure other individuals and families have the same great opportunities that we have had. Volunteering work done behind the scenes might not be as visible to everyone, but it’s just as important for keeping RDA groups and activities running. If anyone had said to me I’d be spending my life around horses I’d never have believed them, but now I’m here I wouldn’t change a thing!”