Brenda Harkin

When Brenda Harkin suffered a stroke in 2002, just three months after establishing a Gaelic football team for youngsters in Manchester, she feared the worst for herself and the club. But nine years later, the Levenshulme based club, called St Mary`s Gaelic & Athletic Association, is flourishing and has made it to the final of a national schools` competition for the past years. Despite her mobility problems, coach Brenda, 41, from Levenshulme, never misses a training session or match, making full use of her scooter and zimmer frame on the touch-line. Mum-of-one Brenda is badly affected by her stroke, mostly in her balance and ability to walk, but claims her role encouraging young people in greater Manchester to get involved with sports keeps her going through the hardest times. She is well known in Manchester and has helped so many young people despite her afflictions and would be a fantastic person to carry the torch - it would be a great honour for her and another example of how she has triumphed over adversity! The club she started now has around 40 members, aged between seven and 14.