Judy Grant

Since 1988 my wife Judy has been a PE / swimming teacher at The David Lewis School in Cheshire, a specialist centre for children with severe epilepsy. Apart from brief spells whilst we had our own 2 children, she has taught hundreds of children with physical, learning and behavioural difficulties to enjoy a sense of achievement through sport that they would otherwise have been denied. Despite their severe problems, Judy has helped them to swim or trampoline, and to enjoy the thrill of movement despite their limitations. She has been an inspiration to many of the parents too, happy to see their children able to participate in sporting activity. The work of The David Lewis Centre and all of its staff is highly commendable and Judy epitomises the dedication required to help and inspire children and adults severally affected by epilepsy. She has carried this enthusiasm into her personal life, having run 3 marathons and 10 Great North Runs, many for charities, including the Breast Cancer Fund. Earlier this year, with a group of equally inspiring friends, she completed the Manchester to Blackpoool Cycle Run and the Adidas 24 Hour Thunder Run, helping to raise almost £5,000 between them for The Christie, the cancer hospital. Judy is passionate about sport and the physical and mental benefits to be derived from participation. It is a message she continues to put into practice, inspiring many along the way. I think she would be a worthy bearer of the Olympic Torch along its way.