Former Buxton volunteer Wendy Howe has been given the Royal seal of approval for her outstanding work in supporting riding therapy for disabled people of all ages across the High Peak.

Wendy – former Chair of Helen Atkin Group Buxton Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) – has received the prestigious President’s Award from HRH Princess Anne, President of national RDA.

Now living near Perth in Scotland, Wendy’s top accolade rewards more than three decades of service to RDA, 19 of them as Chair of the Helen Atkin Group Buxton - including her tireless efforts in spearheading an extensive fundraising campaign to build a £180,000 covered arena at Buxton Riding School, Fern Road.

Wendy is now one of an elite band of a maximum of 12 volunteers who receive the President’s Award each year, marking at least 30 years’ service and exceptional dedication to the RDA or one of its member groups.

“To say I am absolutely thrilled to receive this honour is a huge understatement,” said Wendy, who received the award during an official Royal visit to RDA Wenlo in Normanton-on-Soar, Leicestershire on Thursday October 20.

“It was a real privilege to meet Princess Anne, who has been President of national RDA since 1985, and to see her genuine interest in the riders, volunteers, horses and ponies that regularly participate in riding therapy across the UK.

“Not only is it welcome recognition for my own work over the years, it is also a wonderful tribute to the unstinting efforts of all the Trustees, volunteers and supporters who have made Helen Atkin Group Buxton RDA such a great success over more than three decades.

“Their commitment, dedication and enthusiasm – especially during the last few years, when we took on the mammoth task of raising a substantial sum of money to build the group’s state-of-the-art covered arena – was invaluable to me, and I wish them all the very best as they look forward to fresh and exciting challenges in the future.”

Janine Frost, the group’s current Chairperson, added: “We are all extremely proud of Wendy’s fantastic achievement. Her leadership, drive and energy over the years of her involvement with Helen Atkin Group Buxton RDA was second to none, and we couldn’t have achieved everything we have without her. She moved on to pastures new in 2021, and though we all miss her, we know she is now enjoying a very well-deserved retirement north of the border.”

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