THE DR. JOHN P. WILLIAMS AWARD

Presented in memory of Dr. John P. Williams to the Tely 10 participant who has inspired others through enthusiastic and spirited participation in the annual Telegram 10 Mile Road Race.

Citations for Recipients

(2018) Recipient: Helen Mackey
Citation

This year’s winner is most definitely an inspiration, particularly to the loving daughter who nominated her.

As a single parent who began her life on the Southern Shore in “Admiral’s Cove”, to building a career in the legal field in St. John’s she has overcome many obstacles. She’s a three-time rower in the Royal St. John’s Regatta, a five-time participant in the Tely 10 road race, and a 59-year-old heart-attack survivor!

This impressive woman has participated Tely 10s for the past five years. She may not have had the fastest times; however, she prepared every year, posted thousands of motivational posts and inspiring messages leading up to race day, encouraged other friends and family to join the gym, to run their first Tely and to share her immense amount of enthusiasm and spirit (especially at the finish line). Some of you may have seen some of her numerous Facebook posts, which are widely read by runners from all over the province.

She’s faced numerous challenges in life, the biggest was the heart attack that she suffered in June 2017. That time was an emotional roller coaster for her family and her numerous social media fans who were all shocked and in disbelief that she of all people, one of the busiest and most active women they know could have a heart attack. Many concerned fans even contacted her daughter personally when they noticed her lack of posts online. People legitimately missed her motivation and positivity. They definitely noticed her absence. After spending three weeks in St. Clare’s Hospital she returned home and went back to work, with regular checkups, medical tests, low-stress, and taking various medications as top priority.

One short month later, this most impressive lady participated in and finished the 2017 Tely 10. That deserves a round of applause…. Wow a Tely 10 just one month later! This woman is determined!!

Despite having a heart attack one month before, she quickly prepared physically and mentally, and with her doctor’s approval, she completed the race!! She also lost 20 lbs. in that process and is now strong and healthy, and remains committed to staying with her regular fitness routine. She continues to inspire many other family members and friends to get more physically active, eat healthier and to live life to the fullest.

For all this inspiration and determination, we award the 2018 Dr. John Williams award to Helen Mackey of the Goulds.

Come on up Helen!! Joining Helen is her daughter and nominator, Raylene Mackey.

The award is presented by Dr. Williams’s daughter, Patricia Williams.

To be eligible for this award, the candidate:

must have participated in the Tely 10 road race at least once
must have specifically motivated others to participate in the Tely 10, either by walking or running or as a wheelchair participant
must by participation in the Tely 10 have inspired and motivated others to become physically active

The candidate may be someone who:

began regular exercise at an advanced age
overcame a serious emotional or physical challenge in life
or began exercising while recovering from a serious or life-threatening illness

Submission deadline

Nominations must be sent to Patricia Williams by Monday, June 3, 2024.
Please send the nomination via email in Microsoft Word format or Portable Document Format (PDF). Please ensure that the following information is submitted along with the nomination:
1. Nominee
  - Name
  - Address
  - City/Town
  - Province & Postal Code
  - Telephone
2. Nominator
  - Name
  - Address
  - City/Town
  - Province & Postal Code
  - Telephone
  - E-mail
3. Reason for the nomination
4. Date & Signature of Nominator

Nominations