Beth Baxter

If the olympic torch represents purity, the pursuit of perfection & the struggle for victory, I can think of no finer bearer of the flame than Bethany. Bethany's grandfather represented GB in the Olympics in 1964; when he talks about his athletic past, he is proud, you can see it in his eyes BUT when he talks about Bethany his eyes tell another story - one of unsurpassed pride, of respect and admiration... he never says much about Bethany though, for fear of crying. He carries Bethany's story in his heart; the story of a child facing more struggles, battles and blows than he ever did as a young courageous boxer. Bethany overcame bi-lateral wilms cancer to become the girl she is today; a battle that makes grandad's fights pale into insignificance. Bethany competes in triathlons (raising money when she does), in swimming & basketball; she has coached her friends & family, she has taught dance & donated her wages to charity! Bethany enjoys sports recreationally too & encourages her friends to join her. Bethany makes you believe you can do anything, she tells you that you can & she holds your hand as you take your first tentative steps towards something daunting & new and then she makes it exciting! To see Bethany carry the torch would be a phenomenal experience for everyone who knows her, especially her grandfather. I can see him now, Olympic suit from 1964 proudly worn, handkerchief in hand and perhaps, at last, a tear allowed to fall - not in sorrow but in joy.