Allie Binnie-martins

I would like to nominate my Grand daughter. To me she is an inspirational young woman who deserves to shine. She moved to be near us 3 years ago with her Mum. At that time they lived in London and were not coping. At that time I did not realise the extent of disruption she was putting up with. Her mum has a severe illness and did not get treatment until she came here. Aaliyah has shown a caring and compassionate attitude beyond her years. She will not be seen as a carer as feels what she does for her mother is 'normal'. She feels very passionate about the stigma against those who are vulnerable or who are different. She is of mixed race and being in a predominantly white area has at times been challenging for her. She refuses for anyone to fight her battles preferring to deal with these herself.She misses out on many things that her age group do because of the way her Mum is.Her grand father has advanced cancer and has found that being with her always makes him feel better.She brightens up his life always. Despite this she has worked really hard at school and helps at a local church on a Saturday morning. She is popular and will often seek her out as a mentor. She is a typical teenager who tries hard to fit into a difficult world. Having said that she would say that she is more fortunate than most as has people who care around her. I think being a torch bearer would be a wonderful opportunity for her to feel she is not different and can do what others do.