95 years old and still volunteering!

One of Cowes Sailability Club’s most beloved and dedicated volunteers celebrated her 95^th birthday this month, surrounded by fellow volunteers and many of the disabled people she helps.

 Judy Wyatt has been a volunteer at Cowes Sailability Club for 15 years and has fulfilled a variety of volunteer roles in this time.  She continues to attend Monday afternoon sailing sessions, helping to welcome people and make sure that everyone receives the support they need, whatever their disability.  She also helps to ensure the smooth-running of key events, such as the charity’s annual Cowes Week boat trips for disabled children. 

 “Judy is a true inspiration!” says Cowes Sailability Club Commodore, Roger Sutton.  “Week after week, she arrives at our sailing sessions with a big smile, ready to greet people with disabilities and make them feel at ease.  She is a vital part of our team, and we hope that she will continue to volunteer with us for many, many more years to come.”

 Judy herself is very modest about her contribution to the club and is keen to emphasise how much she gets out of the experience of volunteering herself.  “There’s no point staying at home alone with a cat!” she says.  “Cowes Sailability Club gives me the opportunity to be with people and help others.  Volunteering is very rewarding in many ways.” 

From 2020 to 2022, Judy held the positions of Commodore and Vice Commodore, helping to lead Cowes Sailability Club through the challenging period of Covid lockdowns and securing the charity’s survival.  Judy was also closely involved in the delivery of Cowes Sailability Club’s award-winning ‘Ahoy There’ programme, which provided telephone-based companionship for disabled people living alone through lockdowns.

The birthday celebration took place at Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes, and ‘Happy Birthday’ was sung not once but twice!  A large and delicious chocolate cake, complete with candles, was presented to Judy and served to everyone present.