Remus Member Announced as Horse & Hound Volunteer of the Year 2020

Sue Burton, founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary is delighted to share that volunteer Esme Fordham has been awarded ‘Volunteer of the Year’ in the Horse & Hound Awards for 2020, sponsored by Dengie. Mrs Fordham was shortlisted and the winners announced on 8 December.

Mrs Fordham started volunteering at the Sanctuary in 2013 when, at age 74, she was recovering from cancer. Ms Burton recalls, “I remember Esme visiting one evening to bottle feed Jess the mule. She said, ‘if only I was younger, I would be able to help.’ Now, 7 years later, her help has become invaluable.

Esme Fordham, now 81 years of age, has been a member of the Sanctuary for many years. She provides assistance by helping in the office, overseeing the volunteers and much of the fundraising, including organisation of the popular Afternoon Teas which are held during the summer months.

“The award is to recognise the sacrifices made by those wonderful volunteers who enable countless others to enjoy their horses, sport or profession week in, week out, through their incredible dedication and selfless actions – and this is certainly true of Esme,” said Ms Burton.

The Horse & Hounds Awards, in partnership with NAF, have been virtual this year and the innovation means equestrian fans around the world can be part of the celebration.

The awards video can be viewed on the Horse & Hound website at: www.horseandhound.co.uk/awards. Volunteer of the Year is included within the first video on the page and can be found at 20:22.

This year’s awards celebrate the heroes of the past decade (2011–2020) in elite equestrian sport, while honouring the unsung stars who have helped our industry, our horses and our spirits during this unusual year. Award winners are nominated and voted for by the public and anyone is welcome to nominate the person, group or horse they feel deserves recognition.

Mrs Fordham said, “I’m delighted and honoured to have won this Award and I am so grateful to everyone who voted for me.  I am proud to be associated with Remus and be involved in the wonderful work they do.”

For further information, visit www.remussanctuary.org or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191.