I couldn't have hoped for a more patient, extremely witty and motivating badminton coach. I remember my first day at the club at the age of eight; the hall was full with children of all ages and walks of life and I felt so small. Sally had a talent for finding potential and challenging you to find it in yourself. She was the reason I kept going back every week, always leaving me wanting to learn more and improve. By the age of 14/15, there was a group of us who became close and somewhat cheeky badminton buddies at the club. I remember Sally having to yell at us to come and sit down in a nice line alongside the badminton court to watch the practice we would be doing. We were normally naughty, chatting and laughing amongst ourselves, making out that we were paying attention... Sally and Ray's badminton demonstrations never ceased to make me laugh; what with Ray's untraditional run to the back of the court, hitting the shuttlecock either inbetween his legs or to the side, and Sally's drop shots usually going into the net. What I remember the most is her ability to laugh at herself. I truly believe that influenced my character greatly. It is thanks to Sally that I progressed to county level and then onto the university team. My enthusiasm for the sport has never faltered because I have such fond childhood memories of playing badminton. Sally really was an inspirational role model for young people. Sam Lake