Archery teacher named BBC South East's Unsung Hero

An archery coach who designed a prosthetic hand attachment so someone could try the sport has won BBC South East's Unsung Hero award.

When Hayley Hudson said she wanted to take part in archery, Sittingbourne Community College teacher Adam Kenyon designed and got the attachment 3D-printed.

Mrs Hudson, who was invited for trials ahead of the Rio Paralympics, said: "Adam has changed my life."

Mr Kenyon will be entered into the national Unsung Hero competition, with the winner set to be announced at the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year Awards ceremony.

Mrs Hudson said: "Through doing archery I've met some incredible people, shot in some amazing places…this sport has really opened the world up for me."

Mr Kenyon said the club, which he set up in 2007, had grown "because we now work on the whole person, not just the sport".

Matthew May, who started at the club, is now on the Team GB pathway and aiming to go to the 2032 Olympics.

He said: "When I started I had very low self-esteem and struggled with my confidence, but Adam embraces all of that and makes it a very welcoming environment for us to come down here and shoot."

Mia McGuane, who won silver at the European Indoor Archery Championships in Croatia, said: "They built me up from scratch.

"I've been able to train here and go on to the Team GB pathway and be an international athlete."

Sarah Drury, who shot at a high level nationally and later became a coach, nominated Mr Kenyon.

She said: "What's clear is the impact he has on other people and I have seen that over a number of years."

After being given the award, Mr Kenyon said: "The nomination in itself for me made me feel worth a million.

"I'd do it again, I'll do it every day, and we will make a difference."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.