Guernsey Raiders honorary secretary, Sadie Merrien, is the regional winner of the BBC Unsung Sports Hero for the South West for her dedication to the club.

Sadie Merrien wanted to give back to the Guernsey Raiders RFC after having watched her son and daughter play, and for the last decade she has volunteered as the honorary secretary.

A winner has been named for each of the 15 BBC nations and regions, with Sadie the Winner for the South-West region, with a final overall winner yet to be selected.

Sadie’s Nominator and Chair of the Club, Andrea Harris, says: “It is hard to put into words how special Sadie truly is. She gives hundreds of hours of her personal time to help make the Raiders a success. She is the heart and soul of our Club, and nothing is ever too much to ask. Sadie has made many sacrifices and put the Raiders first over the course of a decade, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

Steve Melbourne MBE, Director of Rugby Development and GRFC Commercial Manager, says Guernsey RFC is truly blessed to have Sadie: "Sadie attends every home fixture running the Clubs Merchandise shop, whilst running the 50/50 draw and taking membership payments. This would be enough for most people, but not our Sadie! She always finds a way to go above and beyond."

"Awards equal recognition and this is something that Sadie never asks for or wants.”

Guernsey Raiders Player, Tom Ceillam, says Sadie is an important figure for all players in the club, "she is one of those faces that everyone knows, and says hello to, it's going to be a good day if Sadie's around."

Sadie was presented with her award at the Garenne Stand on Saturday 2nd December following the ladies home game.

Sadie will be attending the BBC Sports Personality awards on the 19th December, when the overall winner will be announced.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/sports-personality/66934172