A DEDICATED volunteer who made an enormous contribution to sport in the district has been posthumously awarded.

Lorraine Murray-Glendenning was the heart and soul of Hexham Canoe Club for the best part of two decades, organising regatta events, and overseeing coaching and development.

The popular 50-year-old from Wark died in August, two months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Lorraine’s family and friends from the canoeing community attended the Sport Tynedale Awards on Sunday, where they picked up the Egger services to sport ‘unsing hero’ award, on her behalf.

Sport Tynedale committee member Cliff Thornton couldn’t hide his emotion as he read out Lorraine’s nomination at the event, which took place at Hexham’s Wentworth Leisure.

He said: “Lorraine was always up at the front and at the fore at the many slalom events that took place on our stretch of the River Tyne and elsewhere.

“She worked immensely hard and tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that all of the events she organised were a success, and there were many.

“Indeed, the events she organised became so successful and respected that they came to be recognised nationally. The sport of canoe slalom has lost someone very special.”

Lorraine’s contribution involved organising the annual Tyne Tour event, which attracts canoeists from far and wide to Hexham each year.

Cliff read out some of the testimonials received by Sport Tynedale about Lorraine, who first became involved with the sport 17 years ago, when her daughters Anna-Louise and Chloe, first began paddling with the canoe club at Hexham Swimming Pool.

The testimonials described Lorraine as “one of a kind” and as “someone who went well beyond what could be expected of someone volunteering their time”.

Anna-Louise, Chloe, and their father, David Glendenning, attended the awards evening on Sunday, where they were presented with the award from Hexham Golf Club’s head professional Andy Paisley.