Jonathan Neame, who is also chief executive of independent brewery and pub company Shepherd Neame, presented a certificate to Lorraine after last Saturday’s training session for Maidstone United Raiders.
The High Sheriff was at the Gallagher Stadium for a Service of Remembrance ahead of this month’s national commemorations.
Little did Lorraine know that there was a dual purpose for his visit, with the award presented afterwards in the Spitfire Lounge.
Speaking in the lounge, Mr Neame said: “One of the privileges of High Sheriff is that you get to meet and occasionally recognise some extraordinary volunteers and people that make outstanding contributions to our community.
“Up and down this county you find organisations, charities and activities and you get a sense that the community is held together by a very thin line of people who go over and beyond day after day after day, and all too often don’t get the recognition they deserve.”
The High Sheriff’s award to Lorraine is ‘in recognition of great and valuable services to the community. The award also recognises the appreciation of the residents and people of the said High Sheriff’s County for activity and contribution in enhancing the life of the community’.
Lorraine said: “I was absolutely speechless at the time and anyone who knows me knows that doesn’t happen often!
“It was a total surprise, I don’t know how those involved kept it under wraps.
“I am delighted to have received this award from the High Sheriff and thank Jonathan Neame for taking time out of his weekend to come and present it to me.
“I couldn’t do what I do without the support of the volunteers within the Raiders section and the reason we all volunteer is for the players. They mean the world to me, they are my family. At the end of the day we are a big family and support each other.
“Thank you to everyone who supports the Raiders because there are so many who do their bit and I couldn’t do it without them.”
Lorraine has been with Maidstone United since 2008 and, in that time, has built one of the largest and most respected disability football clubs in the South East – if not beyond.
She dedicates countless hours each week to ensure that more than 200 players, with a range of physical and mental disabilities, can participate in the beautiful game.
Managing the disability section is a full-time job in itself, but Lorraine goes far beyond that. From coaching to kit washing, player registrations to acting as treasurer – she’s involved in every aspect.
Maidstone United Raiders was founded in 2004 by John Harvey and Tyke Harvey, alongside the then community chairman Mike Littleboy. From one team and a dozen players, there are now 22 teams and more than 200 players.
For more information on the Raiders, visit www.stonesinthecommunity.org/raiders or call Lorraine on 07880 907188.
