Amanda Menzil

Having been a dedicated member of the Marie Curie Cancer Care fundraising team for 8 years, in 2009 Amanda applied to represent the charity by taking on the challenge of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Despite showing all the necessary skills to lead the trip Amanda was told that her physical fitness would need to substantially improve in order to be eligible. Gallantly Amanda rose to this challenge and embarked upon an intense fitness regime. Along the way her passion for the cause inspired numerous others to sign up too including one of the Marie Curie patron's who in turn pledged to enlist the support of his radio station - KMFM. In just 3 months Amanda shed a whopping 4 stones and proudly made the summit of Kilimanjaro in July 2010. Since returning Amanda has organised to cycle Lands End to John O'Groats this July - another notable challenge given that 6 months ago Amanda couldn't ride a bike! She is determined despite many setbacks, including a nasty fall, that she will finish the 100 mile a day for 9 days. Not content with this she also has her next challenge in her sights and has a place in the 2012 Brighton Marathon - again, having never run before. She does all of this alongside juggling an ordinary life as a wife and mother of two teenage children. Amanda inspires all who meet her with her infectious personality and passion for life and I can think of no better way to recognise her efforts than in nominating her to be an Olympic Torch Bearer.