A travelling groom from Derbyshire – who has mucked out more than 40,000 horses in her career – has been recognised as an official unsung hero of London 2012.
The water supplier for the Games, Schweppes Abbey Well Water, has searched the country to find people that make the event possible but who are often overlooked.
Jenny Ellis – who grooms for Olympic dressage rider and former H&H columnist Richard Davison – was presented with her award last month.
“When I left school I began grooming hunters and milking cows while I decided what I wanted to do,” Ms Ellis told H&H. “And now I’m in my 50s and I’m still grooming!”
She has been working for Richard for the past 10 years and is currently based near his Derbyshire yard.
“Being a groom has become a way of life and it is something that I love,” she added.
“I’m so excited about the Games being in London – what a fantastic thing to happen.”
Watch Jenny Ellis receiving her award: