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1 nomination from readers

• Dawn should win this award because she has been making a huge difference to the lives of young people for 16 years. It is no exaggeration to say that Dawn transforms lives by giving young people self belief and hope. Their encounter with Dawn seems to instill a sense of responsibility and self-belief.

  She never judges the young people, but does encourage them to reflect on the choices they have made/still to make - and because they trust and respect her -they listen to her advice. "Mix with good people and good things will happen to you" is an example of what she tells young people with thought provoking simplicity.

  Her role as skipper of the training ship Duet is twice as demanding as it need be because she puts so much effort into getting to know the young people and tailors the programme to their needs; everything she does is for the benefit of the young people in her care.

  Some may come on board with a 'just try and make me' attitude, but they leave beaming with pride - and an 'I can do anything now' attitude.

  Dawn aims - and usually succeeds in making - the trip on the Duet a life-changing experience and one that is as happy as it is intense.

  Her approach results in the creation of enterprising youngsters who are adaptable, buzzing with confidence and prepared to change themselves as well as the world around them.

  Nominated by Linda Seru, 17 May 2008

3 comments from readers

• Having watched Dawn working with youngsters it's an understatement to say she is devoted and inspirational, and deserves wider recognition for her dedication and understanding.

  Submitted by Phil Johnson, 19 May 2008

• Dawn originally came to the attention of The Cirdan Sailing Trust when she acted in a voluntary capacity bringing groups of troubled young people on the vessels to help them develop essential life skills. Several years later, after gaining the necessary qualifications, she came back to the Trust as a crew member and has worked her way up to Skipper. Dawn has now worked for the Trust for 5 years during which time she has been totally dedicated to following the Trust's aims and objectives to provide disadvantaged young people with the opportunity to change the course of their lives through the experience of life at sea. Through this experience Dawn has helped a great many young people to develop social responsibility, increase their independence and generally improve their outlook on life.

  Submitted by Leonie Turner, 29 May 2008

• I really must heap praise on Dawn who always puts in an enormous effort to make sure the young people I bring go away with not just a week's sail training under their belt, but also a life enhancing experience. She challenges, moulds, inspires and has an uncanny knack of pulling the best out of young people from whatever background they come. My last group of slightly ‘cocky’ 16 year olds who all knew each other well, and who were more used to vying with each other on a continual basis than working together, were fashioned by Dawn into a cohesive team. Of course, only as a team could they operate the boat safely and well and Dawn managed this superbly0 over the week. I was astonished and I should imagine their parents and teachers would be also. She was absolutely brilliant with this lot who mostly picked up what was required of them very quickly as a direct result of her people management skills.

  I know Dawn’s forte is with less fortunate individuals than that group would ever be. She only ever has a week in which to weave her magic, but weave it she does and all who come into contact with her on board a sail-training vessel, can only go away the richer. She manages to inpire people from all backgrounds and walks of life. She demonstrates an instinctive and infectious ability to motivate the young. She is held in very high regard by many who have worked or sailed with her.

  I fully endorse all the comments above.

  Submitted by Christopher Weeks, 11 June 2008