'Surfing helps kids become relaxed and free'

Sarah Turner is known as 'Surf Momma' to the children and other volunteers

A volunteer who has spent weekends driving from her landlocked home to the Yorkshire coast to help kids learn to surf for the last eight years says the effect on children is "magic".

Sarah Turner, from Doncaster in South Yorkshire, has made the weekly 140-mile round-trip to Scarborough to help out with The Wave Project in the North Yorkshire town.

Many of those who attend their surf therapy sessions have additional needs, caring responsibilities or mental health conditions.

Sarah said: "You'll get the kids in the water, and something just takes over, they become relaxed and free."

Isabelle, aged nine, says she feels "like she can do anything" when at The Wave Project

In 2017 Sarah had just returned a holiday in the UK surfing hotspot of Cornwall when she saw a post from The Wave Project on Instagram, seeking volunteers.

"I bought myself a wetsuit, practiced at home putting it on so I looked cool when I was doing it, and then I drove over," the 57-year-old said.

"I nearly chickened out, thinking, 'I'm too old, I can't surf, I can't do this' - but I didn't, I went, and I'm so glad I did.

"I just absolutely love it. The children just come alive when they get in the water - it's like magic".

To begin with, Sarah, who works in a women's hostel during the week, made the four-hour round-trip twice a weekend, then slept in her car but now has a campervan.

She said her family were "really supportive as they know how passionate I am", adding that her granddaughter Willow had even taken part.

Sienna began her surf therapy sessions in August 2025

Children and young people have to be referred to the six-week scheme through a partner, such as GPs, schools and mental health services.

Since April 2016, more than 600 youngsters have been mentored.

One of those is 17-year-old Sienna.

"I like how it helps you forget about your worries... when I go home I'm normally worrying," she said.

Sienna, who herself is now training to be a mentor with the programme, added: "Everyone's just so friendly, you feel valued - Sarah has helped me so much, she's so nice."

Once children have finished the surf therapy programme, they can then attend surf club twice a month.

Sarah has now been nominated in the BBC Radio York Make A Difference awards.

She said: "It is amazing, but I couldn't do what I do without all the other volunteers, and the support of project coordinator Matt Jones.

"I just do what I do because I love it, I don't see it as I'm doing anything special".

The awards ceremony will take place on 19 September.

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