Myerscough College student honoured for his volunteer work on county’s canals

Left to right: Richard Parry, chief executive at Canal and River Trust; Adam Kearsley; David Booker, Marsh Charitable Trust ambassador; and Jon Horsfall, NW regional director at Canal and River Trust.

A Myerscough College student has been honoured for his volunteer work with the Canal and River Trust (CRT) in Chorley.

The CRT, along with Marsh Charitable Trust, recognised the tireless work of teams and individuals at a recent awards ceremony.

Winning the Young Volunteer Award was Adam Kearsley who, the trust said, had ‘fitted into the Chorley Towpath Taskforce superbly’.

Adam is currently studying at Myerscough College, just north of Preston, and contacted CRT to become a volunteer.

Adam’s award citation says: “Adam has shown a fantastic commitment to volunteering, attending all sessions since he signed up just short of a year ago.

“Adam has really excelled and picks up tasks extremely well and has developed into a very valued member of the team. Skills he has developed have included dry stone walling, towpath repairs, hedge laying, canal lock operations and maintenance to name but a few.

“Adam’s commitment has led to a partnership between the trust and Myerscough College in the local area to develop volunteering opportunities with their students and promoting sector-leading courses.”

Kate Simons, volunteering manager at CRT, said: “Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do and I’d like to thank everyone in the North West who’s chosen to give their time volunteering on the canals.

“We simply couldn’t keep the North West’s waterways navigable and alive without the incredible dedication, enthusiasm, and skills of our volunteers.

“Our canal network is 250 years old and needs this support now more than ever, and we’d love to welcome more people to join us.

“Volunteering with CRT is flexible, fun and a wonderful way to learn new skills, meet new friends and make a real difference. If you’ve ever thought about giving it a go, come along to one of our participatory welcome sessions.”

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