Di and Bernie Shimell recently won the North West England Athletics 2025 Regional Volunteer Award in the Services to Athletics and Running category.
As Ollie Lockley perfectly described them recently, they are “true pillars of our athletics community — selflessly giving their time, energy, and passion to help the sport thrive. Without volunteers like them, athletics on the island simply wouldn’t be what it is today”.
Anyone who knows Di and Bernie will agree that it’s impossible to imagine athletics events on the Isle of Man without them, no matter the location or the weather.
Pillars of Community
They also regularly travel to events such as the Northern League, Youth Development League, and Lancashire Championships.
Both are frequently found on the timekeeping stand, where they are highly respected by athletes and officials alike, both on and off the island.
Di has coached for more years than she can probably remember, having been an excellent track athlete herself in her younger days.
The athletes she has guided have enjoyed great success, and those she has coached from a young age couldn’t have had a better mentor in developing good habits that serve them throughout their athletics careers.
She has also organised countless events over the years, including the Isle of Man Track & Field League and Championships, always delivering them brilliantly.
Dedication
Beyond their dedication, Di and Bernie are wonderful company, especially on trips away. Their knowledge of athletics and the joy they take from being among fellow athletics enthusiasts is always evident.
This award, presented at last Sunday’s Manx Harriers Presentation Evening by Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer, could not have gone to two more deserving recipients.
During the evening, awards were also presented to five volunteers who have reached the impressive milestone of completing 50 volunteering events since the Altenar Volunteer Award Scheme began.
They are Bernie Shimell, Di Shimell, Petra Atchison, Raymond Cox and John Whitlow. Without the commitment and expertise of people such as them, athletics sport would be so much poorer.