A West Lothian woman who has dedicated her life to sport was among those recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List.
Sandra Hardacre, a coach at Livingston Athletics Club, has been awarded an MBE for her services to athletics.
The 63-year-old gran from Mid Calder has dedicated her life to athletics, first getting involved when she was 10 years old.
She started coaching voluntarily at grassroots level when she was a teenager and has guided a number of young Scottish athletes to success over the years.
Sandra, a mum-of-one, still takes coaching sessions four days a week, as well as organising and working at events on weekends.
The former pharmaceutical company employee, who was head of customer services before opting for early retirement, admits that she doesn’t know what she would do without athletics in her life.
Sandra lends her experience as a Technical Official at around 60 events each year and is Secretary of the East District Cross Country and Road Race Commission, and a team manager of Scotland and East District teams at endurance events. She officiated at the European Cross Country Championships in 2003 and the World Cross Country Championships in 2008.
“I’ve been involved in athletics since I was 10 and been officiating since the 1980s, said Sandra.
“I’ve been coaching since I was about 18 years old, and was previously at Pitreavie but when I got married I moved over to West Lothian.
“I’m a Level 4 endurance official and Level 4 track and field official, and East District Cross Country Secretary, and Scottish Road Running and Cross Country Secretary as well now.
“I found out about the MBE at the very end of November, I got a letter through and it was a total surprise and totally unexpected.
“I was shocked but I feel really privileged that people feel I’ve done enough to be awarded an MBE.
“I’m coaching four days a week and officiating at weekends, normally. I don’t know what I’d do without athletics, my life has just always been this.
“It’s great seeing young people come through.”
Among those Sandra has helped guide along the way was Sarah Calvert who made it to a European under-20 final and is now current Scottish 3000m champion.
“It is amazing for Sandra to be receiving the MBE for services to our sport. She deserves it so much,” Sarah told Scottish Athletics website.
“I remember going along to Livingston AC when I was about nine years of age and Sandra was my first coach.
“Sandra still cheers me on at races – usually she is officiating – and I love seeing here about the scene in Scotland.
“I know that every other athlete who has ever been coached by Sandra will feel the same way and only have nice things to say about her. She is amazing and always working to keep people in the sport.”
Sandra also instilled a love of athletics in her son, who was a runner for a time until he went to university.
She also has a two-year-old grandson so athletics may well continue in the family for another generation.
“I didn’t ever want to force my son to do it, but he chose to do it,” Sandra continued. “I know he is very proud of me.
“I don’t know yet when I will receive the MBE, I’m still waiting to hear but hopefully I can get it in Edinburgh.
“I still have time to spend with my little grandson, but I don’t know what else I would do. It’s just always been my life.”
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!