Starry night for Doreen (From This Is Wiltshire)

Starry night for Doreen

10:20am Tuesday 2nd December 2008

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NETBALL

DOREEN Willcocks’ 63 years of netball service were celebrated at a star-studded event in London last week.

The Pinehurst Netball Club founder rubbed shoulders with the likes of the Earl of Wessex and football legend Sir Bobby Charlton at the 46th Torch Trophy awards, which celebrated voluntary sporting contributions at the Army and Navy Club in the capital.

Willcocks has worked for 63 years developing the sport and, as a teenager, launched the Pinehurst club, which recently celebrated its 62nd birthday.

In addition, she has recruited countless volunteers, introduced an over-35 league for mature players and a weekly sports club for people with disabilities.

A committed fundraiser, she has also raised a staggering £100,000 for Churchill Hospital in Oxford and finds the time to raise money for Cancer Research.

After picking up an award alongside Bury Ladies Netball Club Sheila Clark, Willcocks said of her evening: “The evening really was special. I spent some time talking to Sir Bobby Charlton who was very down to earth.

“My father was a professional footballer for Sheffield Wednesday some time ago so we had something in common.”

She also spoke to the Trust’s recently appointed patron, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, about her hopes of netball being recognised as an Olympic sport.

Cheryl Danson, chairman of England Netball, said: “I am delighted that two outstanding volunteers have been presented with a national award in recognition of their voluntary work for netball.

“This is a well deserved honour for both of them and it was a great pleasure to be present at the event and celebrate with them.”

More than 100 volunteers in sport enjoyed the evening hosted by the Earl of Wessex, former Wimbledon ladies singles finalist Christine Janes MBE, ex-England rugby boss Roger Uttley OBE and Trust president Charlton.

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