Prime Minister praises Tiverton teen

A teenager from Tiverton, who overcame illness to ensure the future of her BMX team, has been named as the first-ever young winner of a new volunteering award by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Sixteen-year-old Molly Pattison first got involved with Tiverton BMX Go-Ride club a couple of years ago and got stuck into racing. Sadly, at age 14, she was diagnosed with acute demyelination and was no longer able to ride her bike as her balance was affected.

Not to be deterred, Molly got involved with the Cycling Award for Young Volunteers and helped out with all aspects of the club. When she heard that the organisers of the team were retiring, Molly was determined to keep the team running so that young people in her area could continue to enjoy racing.

Now Molly’s work has been recognised on a national level after the Prime Minister David Cameron named her as the latest recipient of the newly established Point of Light award.

Molly said: “It was a bit of a shock to get this award - I really didn’t expect it. I don’t feel like I am putting myself out to volunteer, it just comes naturally. But it’s really nice to know that people appreciate the work that I do.

“British Cycling has really helped me, and the opportunities that they have opened up for me to develop myself as a volunteer and as a person have been phenomenal. The most important thing for me is that it has helped to build my confidence. People do take me seriously; I’m listened to, my voice is heard, and my suggestions are taken on board.”

The award seeks to recognise outstanding individual volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day someone across the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

The new award has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in America. Established by President George H W Bush, it has recognised over 5,000 individuals and has the support of President Barack Obama.

PM David Cameron, who names the award winners, said: “Despite her illness and the blow of not being able to race, Molly didn’t give up. Instead, she channelled her passion into setting up her own team so that others could continue to enjoy the sport. I am delighted to be recognising Molly as the first young winner of a Point of Light award.”

At just 15 years of age, Molly set up her own team, Revolution Racing. She sought the help of sponsors and raised enough money through fundraising to cover the team’s running costs.

Molly now has more than 20 riders from all over the South West decked out with printed kits and are ready to race.

Neil Parish MP for Tiverton and Honiton said: “There are thousands of incredible people volunteering across the country, but even amongst these selfless individuals there are those who go above and beyond to serve their communities and prove that one person can make a huge difference.

“I would like to congratulate Molly Pattison on winning this well-deserved award, and I would like to thank her for the amazing work she does in supporting young people in Tiverton and sharing her passion for cycling.” 

Molly became involved with coaching through British Cycling's youth development Go-Ride programme which offers novice cyclists under the age of 16 a entry to the world of competitive cycle racing.

Racing events are delivered across the country by Go-Ride clubs and a range of British Cycling prizes are awarded including certificates, medals, wristbands and trophies.

British Cycling’s Director of Coaching, Education and Development, John Mills, said: “The growth of cycling wouldn’t happen without the support of the volunteers at Go-Ride Clubs across the country, and it is fantastic to see Molly Pattison’s hard work and dedication acknowledged by the Prime Minister.

”Molly’s award is deserved recognition of the real difference she has made to the development of the sport within her community. She has achieved an incredible amount at such a young age and her volunteering efforts are a real inspiration to us all.”