Charlotte Chadwick

Charlotte's selfless devotion to transforming the lives of young people in her community is remarkable and humbling. Identifying a lack of a meeting place for the youth of Helston, she compiled an inspirational business case, secured £50k of Big Lottery funding ( a credible bid supported by the votes of thousands following an 18 hour leaflet drop round the town) , lobbied business and civic leaders and cajoled the bakery into leasing free premises. Her persuasive skills have gutted, decorated and equipped the Furry Cafe which opens next month to universal acclaim. It is a facility for young people run by young people with Charlotte's guiding hand never far away. The lives of ten young people facing huge personal challenges are being turned round by the Citizenship for Life programme designed and born through Charlotte's irrepressable spirit and energy. Visits to the Big Issue, Fifteen and Dartmoor Prison supported by personal mentors have changed lives dramatically. Next year it will be expanded in scope and to other areas of Cornwall as schools clamour to be involved. Ever modest and positive, Charlotte has driven both projects whilst selflessly nursing both parents through terminal cancer. Meetings with funders and builders have been sandwiched between long hospital vigils. She deserves to carry the torch because her energy and warmth are infectious and her commitment is passionate and fierce. These Olympics are about a legacy and Charlotte's will be lasting!