John Clark, one of our amazing volunteers here at Sport for Confidence, has been shortlisted for the Essex Activity Hero award, part of Essex Activity Awards, alongside only 2 other volunteers from other parts of Essex. John has lived in the Uttlesford area most of his life; he was born on his family farm in […]
John Clark, one of our amazing volunteers here at Sport for Confidence, has been shortlisted for the Essex Activity Hero award, part of Essex Activity Awards, alongside only 2 other volunteers from other parts of Essex. John has lived in the Uttlesford area most of his life; he was born on his family farm in Debden Green, went to local schools-Debden primary, Newport Grammar and sixth form at SWCHS, before accepting a place at Newcastle University to study business management.
John began his Sport for Confidence journey as a participant, referred by his Community Occupational Therapist, following a traumatic brain injury after falling from height in December 2023. He spent over a year in Hospital; 2 months in a low awareness state, having to relearn to talk, walk and carry out everyday activities. He was encouraged by his Physiotherapist in hospital to start running again as part of his rehabilitation.
As a result of his brain injury John still has aphasia, hearing loss and mild cognitive difficulties but over his year as a volunteer, John’s confidence, communication skills and independence have greatly increased. He is a much liked and respected member of both the Saffron Walden Sport for Confidence and the Lord Butler Leisure Centre teams and loved by all of the participants that he helps.
John volunteers at Lord Butler Leisure Centre in Saffron Walden as part of the West Essex Sport for Confidence team, 2 days a week, assisting in 6 physical activity sessions, supporting participants with long term health conditions and disabilities of all ages (from 18-92) to engage meaningfully in physical activities, such as swimming, table tennis and boccia.
John is very committed to his volunteer role and very rarely misses a session. His typical duties are; helping to plan activities for sessions, setting up and clearing away equipment-he is very organised, sharp on health and safety aspects and tall and strong! He assists our Sport for Confidence coach with warm-up and cool down exercises, demonstrates physical activities, works alongside participants who require 1:1 support; assists people with hearing difficulties, gives support to engage in the physical activities whilst also providing some friendly chat and encouragement. As an accomplished drummer, John keeps everyone in time during the dance session. He is a very good sport and always dresses up for themed sessions such as pirate day and Halloween.
Sport has always played a big part in John’s life; at school he enjoyed hockey, cricket, rugby and running. He played for Saffron Walden Rugby Club from the age of 13. Just 5 weeks before his accident in 2023, John completed a triathlon challenge for Movember-rowing and running marathon distances and cycling 100k. After building up his running again following his accident, last October, John ran the Battersea Park Marathon, with over 30 friends and family supporting him, raising more than £10,000 for the hospitals that treated him.
John is a truly admirable individual, who, despite his own life changing experience, is positive, patient, reliable, and incredibly caring; anyone who has the pleasure of knowing John will tell what an amazing young man and positive role model he is and how deserving he is to be shortlisted for this award.
Speaking of his nomination, John says: “I was very excited to be nominated for this award for my volunteer role with Sport for confidence.”
To vote for John please visit Essex Activity Awards 2026 – Active Essex:
Voting is open between November 2-8, 2026.
