Judith Hill

My Mum has provided more than 50 years of dedicated service to the Girl Guide Association and still, at the age of 70, is happy to provide an extra set of capable hands at sleep overs, sausage sizzles, camp fires and a whole host of other extraordinary activities that Rainbows, Brownies and Guides get up to. Last week she attended a 40th anniversary for our local Brownie Hut and taught scores of excited seven year old girls how to overcome their fears and cross a rope bridge. My Mum also runs the local prison cafe. An essential resource for family, and most importantly children, to visit their fathers in prison. The service is provided by 66 volunteers who operate a twice daily tea bar providing hot drinks and snacks during visiting hours for very low cost. For the past three years my Mum has chaired the organisation and has been responsible for looking after and organising her 65 dedicated volunteers. The job is a thankless one as most people don't realise the service is entirely voluntary. If it didn't exist children would have to visit their fathers surrounded only by prison guards and wouldn't be able to share a chocolate bar or a nice cup of tea. I know how hard working and selflessly dedicated my Mum is. I'd like other people to know too. By being offered the opportunity to carry the olympic torch my Mum will shine for the few minutes she deserves.