Sue Frett admitted to being “thrilled” and “humbled” after winning the Community Award at the Sky Sports and Sunday Times 2014 Sportswomen of the Year Awards.

The 75-year-old who received a Queens Diamond Jubilee Pin from Prince Charles in 2012 for her volunteer work with disabled people, founded Special Olympics Surrey in 2007, having set up charity Reach Out for youth and adult disabilities in 1993.

Her drive to help children with learning disabilities started 50 years ago when her son Jonathan first went to St Philip’s School for children with intellectual challenges in Chessington.

She said: “It is a great privilege to have contributed to the lives of people with intellectual disabilities for 50 years.

“This award is for the near 10,000 Special Olympics Great Britain athletes all around the country and the 75 athletes I work with in Surrey.

“It is such a amazing thrill to be given this award. I am humbled.”

Prior to winning the award, Frett said: “To see young men and women come to us as shy young people and then turn into confident athletes does bring tears to your eyes.

“Not only do we encourage people to come on board as athletes, but we also encourage the parents to be involved. I get to know the families as well as the athletes.”

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Inspiration: Sue’s son Jonathan Frett