Katherine Deal

Katherine has a severe visual impairment but still lives life to the full. She was a member of the UK Athletics GB Squad, succeeding in both mainstream and Paralympic athletics. Unfortunately due to illness she has been unable to continue competitive sport. 2012 should have been her chance to shine but illness has prevented her from being a part of the GB Squad. Katherine defied all the odds to win an English Schools 1500m medal, competing against the best non-disabled athletes in the UK. She gained a place at University College London to study Philosophy. Katherine has never let her disability drag her down and she freely gives her time to help others, whether it is through study support, music or loyal friendship. Katherine is inspirational because sha has already achieved many things in sport, academically and in music that many able-bodied people have been unable to achieve. The opportunity to carry the Torch would mean that Katherine can be part of an event that means so much to her and she can show others that, no matter what happens to you, life can still be lived to the full.