10-06-2025
Volunteer Sienna, 14, recognised for her efforts helping disabled horse riders
A 'CARING' Middlewich High School student has been recognised for her efforts helping disabled horse riders
Sienna Clarke has been volunteering at Reaseheath Equestrian Centre while completing the bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE).
During her time at the college, the 14-year-old has been helping children with disabilities, such as cerebral palsy or learning difficulties, with Nantwich RDA (Riding for the Disabled).
Now Sienna has been named the New Young Volunteer of the Year in the Nantwich RDA Awards 2025.
She said: "I've really enjoyed working with the adults and children with the Nantwich RDA - the best part is seeing them smile and how they have developed confidence on the horses.
"I feel I am more confident in and out of school, especially when talking to other people.
Sienna Clarke (Image: Middlewich High School)
"This is something that I will now continue to do once I have finished the bronze award, I would really like to work towards the silver award."
Some of the activities Sienna has been doing while volunteering include walking around the arena for three hours a week supporting the children with their co-ordination, as well as helping them feel safer and more secure on the horses.
In winning the award, Nantwich RDA highlighted the great physical endurance Sienna has shown during her volunteering, as well as her caring nature and great leadership skills.
She has built trust and relationships with some amazing children and volunteers at the equine centre at Reaseheath.
Lydia Naylor, head teacher at Middlewich High School, said: "We are extremely proud of Sienna and all our students taking part in the DofE for all the volunteering hours they have carried out.
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"It is a pleasure to see students, such as Sienna, give their time to support others but also develop in confidence and leadership skills.
"The students signed up for the DofE are not only making a positive difference in our local community but also developing lifelong skills."
In May, the DofE announced a record-breaking 342,000 young people had started one of its programmes in 2024-25 – the highest since the charity was founded almost 70 years ago.
The DofE is delivered in schools, colleges, community organisations, hospitals, prisons and more, all over the UK.
It is open to any young person aged 14 to 24, with participants building their own programmes as well as choosing activities and a cause to volunteer for, in order to achieve a bronze, silver or gold DofE Award.
Sienna has been helping disabled children with Nantwich RDA (Image: Middlewich High School)
Ruth Marvel OBE, the CEO of DofE Award, said: "We're absolutely delighted to see the impact that young people at Middlewich High School have made through their DofE volunteering.
"Volunteering is a great way for young people to build confidence, develop work-related skills and use their passions and talents to benefit others.
"It changes lives and communities for the better – that's why it's an integral part of the DofE programme.
"We're so proud of all the young people at Middlewich High School who have dedicated their time and energy to helping others in their communities."
