Alex Key

As a colleague and close friend, Alex is a very worthy person to run with the Olympic Flame. Alex has been volunteering with the CSV mentoring/ befriending project since August 2008. During this time she has completed 3 matches - supporting a 12 year old girl who had cerebral palsy and two 15 year old girls in care. These young people have completely rejected social interaction and have no ability to establish personal relationships. With only limited funding from the project, Alex volunteers her precious personal time to take these people out into the community and engage them again with the social environment by them taking part in normal social activities. Whilst personally very rewarding, the volunteer role can often be hard, often being exposed to some very unpleasant situations or elements. Nine months ago, Alex was matched to a young girl with cerebral palsy. Based on her background, this young girl had completely rejected social interaction. With Alex's support and care - including building a trusting relationship to identify activities to improve the social skills of this young girl, after nine months, she is now able to make friends and interact in the school environment - testament to the support that Alex provided throughout their time together. Alex is currently matched to a 14 year old girl who is placed in a foster family. Through regular meetings, Alex is bonding with her and enabling this girl to gain her own independence - which will change her future.