Squash club volunteer wins unsung hero award

A 77-year-old squash player said he was "absolutely amazed" to have won a national unsung hero award.

Martin Braybrook has volunteered for Cromer squash club in Norfolk for more than 40 years, creating its first team in the early 1980s.

Mr Braybrook, who became treasurer for the club in 2002, said he "had no idea" he was nominated for the award.

He was crowned the Unsung Hero at the England Squash Awards 2024 for his extensive involvement at the club.

Moving to Cromer in 1980, Mr Braybrook said squash courts saved the club as "tennis was struggling".

The club went on to have three men's and two ladies' teams in the Norfolk leagues.

About 20 years ago, during his peak playing for Norfolk's over 55s, he admitted "he wasn't the world's best player".

"I suppose my strength has always been administration rather than playing."

Mr Braybrook, who had to give up playing after a hip replacement, humbly added: "It has been very much a team effort over the years.

"I could name umpteen people who have volunteered - I obviously haven't done it all for 40 years."

In announcing his award, England Squash described Mr Braybrook as a "local legend".

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