Helen Blackburn

Helen is a teacher of Outdoor Education and we met when she encouraged my son to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and Ten Tors Challenge, an endurance expedition held annually on Dartmoor. She also lead groups of students on expeditions to Nepal and Peru. I have known and worked alongside her for ten years.

Helen works with both primary and secondary school students encouraging them to enjoy and respect all aspects of the outdoors.

In her youth she was awarded for success in cross country, triathlon, gymnastics and Ten Tors Challenge and still enjoys trekking, swimming and cycling.

Helen is a dedicated, passionate teacher who inspires students to challenge themselves physically and mentally. She encourages them to experience outdoor life, testing navigational skills, self discipline, endurance, commitment, teamwork and leadership. She has touched the lives of many and always goes above and beyond the call of duty in preparing her students to succeed in their challenges.

I am nominating Helen because she will carry the Olympic flame high, with great pride, on behalf of the numerous students, parents and volunteers who have benefited from her selfless devotion.