My name is Gayle-Ann Macrae and I run the Golspie primary school lunchtime running club.
What was your experience in sport growing up?
My first experience with sport was when I was 8 years old and I joined the local swimming club and where I went on to compete in competitions until I was 18 years old. I loved sports so much that I went on to play for the local school's hockey and football in school which I loved.
What is your volunteering experience to date?
I use to volunteer at east Sutherland Citizens Advice as an Administrative Assistant - the thought of volunteering was that I could go back out into the community and help others but also find confidence in myself after having health issues. I now volunteer at my local swimming club, where I am currently the Welfare Protection Officer but before that and for the last two years I volunteered as a swimming coach.
What / who inspired you to get into volunteering?
I was inspired to volunteer after going to our local swimming club when my child started swimming and it just felt right to volunteer and help. So when the chance came up to run the running club at Golpsie Primary I took my chance and offered my service and thankfully Elissa and Murdoch agreed that I could do it!
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
What I have enjoyed most about volunteering is watching the running club take part in the cross country events through the winter series and seeing smiles on their faces and how proud they are of themselves for taking part in the competitions. Not once do they moan or complain, they just get on with it and each week, and I feel proud of what I have achieved to keep the running club going and that the kids are enjoying it.
I was only meant to help out at the running club but Elissa has pushed me out of my comfort zone and I now lead the running club which is my biggest achievement.
What advice would you give to others looking to get involved in volunteering?
To anyone that is looking to volunteer, whether it is in sports or to get themselves back out into the community or to help them find a job, my advice is to do it! It is really rewarding to see what you have achieved and certainly helps with confidence.
If you are thinking of volunteering, seriously just grab the opportunity and do it. If I didn't grab it when I did I certainly wouldn't be where I am now and that is leading the running club which I never thought I would do, so go don't let the opportunity bypass you!