The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
One of the volunteer team behind a successful martial arts group in Holbeach hasn’t been able to use her kitchen table in years.
It’s covered in the paperwork that goes with Gemma Holland’s administrative role with Storm UK – and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I get more out of this than I do anything else,” she said. “When I see pictures popping up on social media of a child who has achieved their white belt or someone who has got a certificate, I feel proud too.
“What we do allows people to achieve things they wouldn’t otherwise achieve.”
Gemma and the team of nine instructors and junior instructors at Storm UK deliver sessions to around 100 students in Holbeach and Spalding each week without taking a penny for themselves. All subs are ploughed back into delivering services and covering costs. No-one even claims expenses.
Gemma, who will only accept part-time paid work to allow her the time she needs for Storm UK, said: “If we did, the cost of the sessions would have to go up and less people could take part.”
Storm UK was founded by chief instructor Wayne Pearl, who used to live in Holbeach and still works there. After moving to Spilsby where Gemma also lives, he refused to let the Holbeach group fold. Wayne, Gemma and her son Morgan keep it going along with Danny Felipes, of Holbeach.
Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service, which has assisted the group, is inviting all organisations that involve volunteers to join in its Volunteer Day Celebration event by taking a free stand and telling visitors about their organisation and what it does.
The event at Fantasy Island, Ingoldmells, is on Friday, June 5, 11am to 5pm.
To register email jody.r@lincolnshirecvs.org.uk or call Jody on 01205 365588 before midday on Thursday, June 4.
