22 May 2012
Helen Evans from Wotton Under Edge in Gloucestershire is one of the nine inspirational people that will be carrying the Olympic Torch through Caerphilly on Saturday 26th May, as it makes its way across Great Britain, in a relay that will engage people from all corners of our nation, inspiring and encouraging people to embrace their 'Moment to Shine'.
This is her story:
"I was nominated for an Outstanding Volunteer of 2011 award by my manager, due to my charity work in Mumbai with the homeless, working for Sister Christobels Trust. The charity is small and is run by nuns and volunteers who work on the streets with the homeless people that other organisations will not approach. We fed and bathed the homeless who often suffered from mental health problems or have been struck with leprosy, and took children from the streets to a centre for homeless children where we gave them food and clothes and taught them English.
My award from Marks and Spencer then led to Coca Cola selecting me to be a 2012 Olympic Torchbearer in Caerphilly. My parents were thrilled with my Marks and Spencer award for "Outstanding Volunteer of 2011" and were further delighted by the once in a lifetime opportunity Coca Cola have given me.
My father was evacuated to Caerphilly in the war as a child and it has always been a special place for him, so he is delighted to be returning to see me take part in this amazing event.
Unfortunately, my mother passed away last October but I know that she will be up there smiling and praying I don't trip! And I have some wonderful supporters; my dad of course, family members, members of Bethany Baptist Church in Rhiwbina and friends from Tresham, Wotton Under Edge in Gloucestershire who are all eager to visit Caerphilly and the Castle. I hope everyone has a lovely day and I thank the people of Caerphilly for their support."
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