The first recipient of the High Sheriff of Cornwall’s Unsung Hero Award has been announced.

Sally Ackerley of the White Gold Cornwall Foundation was presented with her award by the High Sheriff, Kate Holborow, in Camborne on Thursday.

White Gold is a pioneering Cornish charity supporting vulnerable young people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

As office manager, Sally has for several years been at the centre of the charity’s work, working with colleagues, partner agencies and of course the young clients.

Over the course of the pandemic she has worked tirelessly to help keep the wheels turning and ensure that White Gold can continue to provide its one-to-one mentoring throughout lockdown.

She has even personally taken on the Couch to 5k challenge, raising much-needed funds for White Gold. Couch to 5K is a running plan for absolute beginners, completed over the course of nine weeks. Sally has already raised more than £500.

“Sally epitomises the dedication and selflessness which have played such a crucial role in our communities over recent months,” said Kate Holborow.

“I am delighted to be making this award to Sally and want to add my thanks for all she has done for White Gold and Cornwall’s vulnerable young people.”

Sally was nominated by Alan Milliner, White Gold’s CEO.

Other nominations for the High Sheriff of Cornwall’s Unsung Hero Award, with a brief citation, and a contact point for further discussion should be forwarded to the High Sheriff’s office via HSofCornwall@gmail.com on an ongoing basis until February 28, 2021.

All will be acknowledged and responded to within a month.