Jonathan Whittingham

For a number of years Jon has volunteered at Leonard Cheshire Care Home for those with severe mental and physical difficulties. He takes residents on trips, and spends time talking with them. He is always positive and talkative, even when this can be difficult. He recently ran a marathon and half marathon in memory of his uncle, raising £3000 for the MS Society. In his day job, Jon works for the FA promoting disability football. This has hugely improved the lives of both girls and boys with physical and mental disabilities and gives them a chance to enjoy football, letting them have the same opportunities in sport as everyone else. In addition to his role at the FA, Jon has gone above and beyond, to volunteer with local clubs, for UEFA and with the national blind league as League sectary. He has also taken the time to learn sign language. Jon always goes the extra mile and his work with the disabled is exemplary, he continually inspires those he works with and is always trying to raise awareness of disabled sport and encourage participation. He has helped those who thought they could not enjoy sport in the same way, such as amputees, the blind, deaf, cerebral palsy and those with learning disabilities. He makes a real difference to their lives and would be a perfect person to represent London as a torch bearer.