Daniel Masser’s story of bravery, dedication and determination was rewarded with the North West Winner and Volunteer’s Volunteer Award, as voted for by fellow volunteers from all around the country, at The Co-operative Street Games Young Volunteers awards.
As a teenager in Crewe, Daniel’s attitude towards other coaches, peers and volunteers as a participant in sport often caused issues for staff, so when Daniel became a volunteer in 2011 there were naturally some concerns. Over the years, Daniel (now 22) has grown into not only a well-respected volunteer, but a role model to his colleagues.
In 2012, Daniel was diagnosed with a brain tumour and following an operation and a long period of recuperation, another tumour was discovered in 2013, requiring three further operations. Throughout the difficult time for Daniel, he kept a constant focus on his desire to return to volunteering in sport. Even during Daniel’s recovery, he would still attend sessions to observe and chat to participants and follow volunteers.
In 2014, Daniel returned to his role, but this time not only as a volunteer, but to lead and mentor and inspire others and has logged over 330 hours as a volunteer.
Charlie Maines, Volunteer Development Officer at Everybody Sport & Recreation explains,
“Daniel was defiant in wanting to return to volunteering and overcome his illness. After every operation he asked us when he could come back. His eagerness to get back into what he called his routine helped him recover. His setbacks seemed to develop him as a person and he came back with renewed energy to help others.
“His wit and sense of humour have helped him to reflect on some very dark times and he now enjoys every session he supports with an eagerness to help others overcome any difficulties they may have. He is an inspiration locally to his friends and family.”
On the awards night, Daniel was initially successful in winning the North West Volunteer of the Year award, reflecting on the win, he said,
“I was really shocked that I won the North West Volunteer of the Year but was really proud of myself”.
Daniel then went on to receive a further award, created especially to recognise Daniel’s amazing achievements, to which he added,
“It made me feel honoured to be recognised by my fellow volunteers in this way.”
Daniel has also recently completed his FA Level 1 Coaching Course and wishes to progress to become a sports coach.
Notes to Editor
Everybody Sport & Recreation – ‘Everybody’ is the new charitable trust established to run leisure services in the Cheshire East area. The trust aims to provide ‘leisure for life’ by changing lives through healthy recreation. The charity operates the 15 leisure facilities in the Cheshire East area as well as leisure development and outreach programmes.
Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers– StreetGames places great emphasis on volunteering within its projects and, in partnership with the Co-operative, runs The Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteer (CSYV) programme in over 80 of its projects. The CSYV programme, which was established in 2007, offers volunteering opportunities for 16-25 year-olds within StreetGames projects, helping them make a positive difference in their local community. A typical young volunteer will support and run local sport sessions and tournaments, assist at large-scale national sports tournaments, learn how to coach sport and design youth-led activities. By contributing in this way, they increase resources in their local community, providing more young people with the opportunity to participate in sport. The Programme also assists participants in developing their confidence, self-esteem and community leadership skills, and they have the opportunity to gain recognised awards and qualifications.