Glenda Mcelwaine

Glenda is a truly inspirational lady who really deserves the honour of becoming a torchbearer for the 2012 Olympics. Glenda has an infectious personality who can put old and young at ease in her company. This personality shines in the class room with her Primary 4 children, always giving of her best so that the children can achieve their own goals. However, as dedicated as she is to her teaching career this is not the main reason I feel she deserves this incredible honour. For many years now Glenda has been a very energetic supporter of The Smiles Foundation. This is a Christian Charity working in Romania, providing a better life for children, disabled people and the elderly. This year, Glenda has undertaken a vigorous training routine as preparation to help in her 'challenge of a lifetime' - climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. She has sacrificed practically every weekend in all weather conditions to ensure that she is as physically prepared for this as she possibly can be. While funding the travel and all associated costs herself, Glenda has put huge efforts into raising the much needed funds for the Charity's next project. She has visited the various projects in Romania a number of times and I have no doubt she will be keen to see the new day care facility once completed. As usual, she will utilise her baggage allowance with essentials for the children, using her hand luggage to carry her own personal items. Glenda always puts others first.