As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, the Fermanagh Trust is honouring 30 remarkable individuals whose commitment to their communities has made a lasting difference. Each awardee receives a £1,000 bursary to benefit the organisation or cause they’re involved with. A gift that celebrates their service while investing in the future. Categories for the Civic Honour Awards include Inspirational Young Person for those under 30 making a standout impact, and Community Impact & Legacy for those with 30+ years of service volunteering in their community.
28-year-old Timothy Boyd is being recognised in the Inspirational Young Person category for his exceptional commitment to Erne Paddlers, his church, and his wider community. Tim has poured his time and energy into volunteering, shaping opportunities for young people, supporting adults with additional needs, and quietly leading by example.
Fermanagh Civic Honour Award recipient Timothy Boyd
Tim’s volunteering journey began in his teens. “I first got involved with Erne Paddlers when I was doing my A Levels. They ran a ‘learn to kayak’ course. I loved it, went back to play polo, and then when I was 20, Harry got me involved in volunteering. I’m 28 now, so that’s eight years,” he explains. Since then, he has become one of the club’s most reliable volunteers – training as a canoe instructor, mentoring younger paddlers, leading summer camps, and joining the Board of Trustees. “Two years ago I joined the Board of Erne Paddlers as a Trustee. It’s a different challenge. I help with the admin, numbers and databases, but it’s another way to support the club.”
His leadership has been transformative. This summer he organised the club’s ambitious Lough Erne Challenge, covering the full 80km length of the lough across four weekends. “This summer, a group of us paddled the entire length of Lough Erne. About 20 kilometres a day over four Saturdays. I planned the routes and opened it up to anyone who wanted to come along. Four of us completed the full distance, but many joined different sections. It was brilliant to see people achieve it.” For Tim, the highlight is seeing others thrive: “I get so excited about people learning new things. Sometimes if a young person achieves a skill they’ve been struggling with, I’m nearly happier than they are! That mentoring side of things is what I really love.”
Parents and participants alike regularly remark on Tim’s kindness and support. Feedback from courses highlights his attentiveness with children who have autism, his encouragement of junior leaders, and his ability to make every paddler feel part of the team. “If you’re thinking about volunteering but don’t think you have a special talent don’t worry. Just being there, showing up, is valuable and rewarding,” he says.
Volunteering has shaped his life well beyond the water. “I used to work in a factory, but volunteering showed me I loved encouraging people. Now I’m a special needs classroom assistant. Seeing people with disabilities thrive on the water made me want to work with people every day. Volunteering changed the trajectory of my career. It brought out the ‘people person’ in me that was hidden away.”
Faith is another foundation of his service. “Faith is a big part of my life. I’m a Deacon at Stonepark Baptist Church and help a lot with the tech systems, sound, video, recording. I grew up in it, so I know how it works, and now I also teach younger ones to run the software.” He regularly gives up his annual leave to support church youth camps and has recently begun helping with the church’s disability group. He also volunteers with Eagle Fellowship, which supports people with disabilities. “We meet once a month and also go on a holiday each year to the North Coast. For many, it’s the highlight of their year. They’ll ask you about it months in advance. One of the leaders put up 300 photos after the last camp, all smiles. Families come too, and the sense of community is amazing. It shows why opportunities like this matter so much.”
Through all of this, Tim remains modest about his achievements. “I feel like I’m only a part of the cog, it’s not just me that makes things happen. We’ve got a great team of volunteers at Erne Paddlers and beyond. That’s what makes it work. I don’t want this award to just be about me, it’s about the whole community of Erne Paddlers who give their time and energy.”
As he looks to the future, volunteering will continue to be central. “Volunteering is a big part of who I am. I’m getting married next year. My fiancée also volunteers with a number of projects and we’re determined to keep it part of our routine together.”
Receiving this award, he says, is an opportunity to shine a light on what matters most. “It’s so important to shine a light on volunteering. It’s needed now more than ever. I actually prefer volunteering to getting something back. It’s a benefit for me. I show value by giving my time rather than looking for something in return.”
Grounded in faith, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to others, Timothy Boyd has already touched countless lives across Fermanagh. His journey shows that true leadership doesn’t always seek the spotlight. It grows through consistency, compassion and a quiet determination to serve.
Please be advised that applications for the Fermanagh Civic Honour Awards are now closed. All 30 recipients have been selected.