West Lothian woman's life-long commitment to athletics recognised with MBE presentation by the King
A West Lothian woman who has dedicated her life to athletics has received her MBE from King Charles III.
Sandra Hardacre, 63, a coach at Livingston Athletics Club, was awarded the honour for her services to sport.
The mum and gran from Mid Calder was among those named in the New Year Honour list. She first got involved in athletics when she was 10 years old.
Sandra began coaching voluntarily at grassroots level as a teenager and has guided a number of young Scottish athletes to success over the years.
She met with King Charles at Holyrood Palace on Tuesday where she was presented with the honour.
'I was a bit nervous but felt really proud,' said Sandra. 'The King was standing on a plinth in the throne room and asked me what involvement I still have in athletics.
'I told him I still officiate and coach. Then he asked what I used to do when I competed and also added that he thought Scotland was in a really good place at the moment with athletics.
'I told him I have been doing this for a long time and it's nice to give something back.'
Sandra still coaches four days a week and officiates at weekends.
She added: 'I don't know what I'd do without athletics, my life has just always been this. It's great seeing young people come through.'
Sandra was accompanied to Holyrood Palace by her husband, Gary, son Ian and daughter-in-law Abbi.
Lead coach for middle distance at Livingston, Sandra has volunteered at the club for over 20 years. She is a familiar figure at National and District cross country and road running events throughout Scotland and was a Technical Official at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
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