Coach named as BBC Unsung Hero winner

Colleagues, parents, and some of the children the Leicestershire-based coach has inspired describe the 77-year-old as "one-in-a million".

Her work has helped in changing the perception of disabled sport and encouraging people to see disability swimmers as athletes.

"For my team, husband and all the rest who supported me, thank you very much," said Jill, whose daughter Jane competed at five Paraympic Games as a swimmer and won 14 medals including four gold.

"I had a seven-year-old boy win a race last weekend and he made a little speech thanking us for the medal. I have got tears and it was that that was particularly special. It was also special that parents have trusted their children to me over the last few years. I'm not the most conventional but I work new ways to help them. Thank you to all those who have supported me," she added.

Stidiver, who has also been awarded an MBE for her charitable work, works 40 hours a week coaching, raising funds and organising. 

After winning the BBC East Midlands Unsung Hero award for 2014, Jill's husband Mick said: "She loves doing what she does.

"She will treasure this award as she will see it as a boost to all her swimmers, coaches and families alike, and a reflection on the joy of seeing a severely disabled person with a smile on their face as they succeed in achieving something very special - and it may not be just swimming - for the very first time."

Jill Codling, whose son Levi is coached by Stidever, said: "She has changed my son's life. I was told he would never be able to swim but and he is now competing in the nationals. Jill has empowered him and he is capable of anything."

During her career, Jill has established swimming clubs for people with disabilities, with three of her swimmers going on to become Paralympians.

Now in its 12th year, the BBC Get Inspired Unsung Hero Award recognises outstanding contributions by individuals at the grassroots level.