Stonebroom Community Champion Recognised by the Department for Education
A passion for bringing children, families and the community together has earned Stonebroom local hero, Gail Morton a prestigious regional award.
Gail Morton, the driving force behind Stonebroom HAF, part of Derbyshire’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme, has been named ‘East Midlands Volunteer of the Year’ at the HAF Awards 2026. Gail joined Derbyshire County Council and programme delivery partner, StreetGames, to collect her award at the ceremony in London on Wednesday 30th September.
Funded by the Department for Education, Derbyshire’s Holiday Activity and Food programme, known locally as It’s About Me provides free holiday club sessions, including a healthy meal, for eligible school-aged children in Derbyshire.
For families across Stonebroom and the surrounding villages, Gail has become a familiar and much-loved face, dedicating her time and energy to creating welcoming, inclusive and memorable experiences for children throughout the Easter, Summer and Winter holidays.
She has helped turn Stonebroom HAF into a hub for the community, supporting initiatives including sunflower-growing competitions, toy swaps, shoebox and gift campaigns and a host of other projects designed to bring people together and provide practical support to elderly residents, vulnerable children and families.
At the heart of it all is Gail’s belief that every child and family should feel welcome, valued and included.
The recognition has been warmly welcomed by members of the local community, who say Gail’s contribution has made a lasting difference.
“Gail is a massive part of our community life. She’s absolutely incredible, kind and caring and she has time for everyone, even when she’s extremely busy. She and her team go above and beyond for our village and, personally, I’m not sure what we would do without her.”
Another local resident said:
“Stonebroom HAF gives our community something that cannot be put into words, and I know everyone appreciates everything that is done. Gail is an inspiration to us all and this award is just fitting for the incredible person she is.”
For Gail, the award is a reflection of the people behind Stonebroom HAF, from the children and families who take part to the volunteers and team members who help make each programme happen.
Regional Volunteer of the Year is a fitting recognition of someone who has made community spirit, inclusion and giving children positive experiences at the heart of everything she does.