Jenny Anderson

Our daughter Jenny has a mild form of Kabuki Syndrome , which has given her assorted challenges over her 19 years. She utilises her characteristic cheeriness to make a difference for children of all ages as well as patients in hospital in the Scottish Borders. She has been unable to find paid employment since leaving school at 16, and undertaking a course in childcare . Bullied for being 'different' through some of her school days, this continued into college but she persevered and achieved successes. Hopefully she will obtain an SVQ opportunity but cutbacks bring more challenges. Undeterred, she currently undertakes 2-3 voluntary weekly childcare placements, secured herself through direct approaches, she runs an evening Hospital Radio programme once/ week, is a Young Rainbow Leader each week and a Youth Club leader one evening / week . Having achieved a Drama Leader Certification, she helps with 2 weekend and 2 weekday/evening drama classes. In between she enjoys relaxing through membership of 2 choirs and helping at the family-run local folk club where she meets and greets visitors twice a month. Hypermobile joints with knee dislocations made exercise another challenge. A major corrective operation last year (involving an operation 300 miles from home), has improved her confidence and reduced risk of falling. Selection as an Olympic Torch Bearer would be a huge honour for Jenny and for the organisations for whom she volunteers.