There are some people you meet in life who are ‘special’, writes Dennis Elliott.

Individuals will give different reasons for their views, but the very mention of a given person’s name will cause all who know them to smile and nod their heads in agreement.

Sally Hutter spends her life in an environment where she actively supports folk who have been born with various disabilities.

She does so with a constant attitude of cheer which is infectious.

She is an excellent sportswoman who enjoys real challenges and she is always the first to volunteer to help at various events and sports clubs in the area.

She is a specialist ‘timer’ and her unsung efforts are a vital key to many events taking part at all.

Last year Sally, who lives in Honiton, faced a particular health challenge, but typical of Sal faced up to the whole experience with a smile and display of courage most of us would envy.

Recently a final operation for her was postponed so as to coincide with the Christmas period.

Sal’s first thought was she would be forced to miss the annual Sea Swim at Sidmouth on Boxing Day.

She quickly ‘invited’ her fellow N1 Tri Club members to join her for a dip in the seas this Friday (December 20) at 7.15pm.

The club has recently chosen The Marie Curie Cancer Care team, based in Honiton Hospital, as their ‘charity of choice’ and the swim will raise money for this worthy cause.

If you are passing Sidmouth seafront on Friday evening you will see Sal leading a group of very fit looking individuals into the sea.

If you would like to support their charity of choice on the night then please do so.