Lara Steward

My sister Lara has been profoundly deaf since December 1992, so just two months before her third birthday. As her younger sister I don't remember a time before she was deaf but what I do remember is how much of an inspiration she has been to me growing up. Not once did or does she now ever complain, rather I never fully realized just hard it was for her sometimes.

Now we're older and closer I see just how much of a struggle it can be sometimes. Deafness is a hidden disability so sometimes its hard to see or understand the amount of difficulties it can open you up to. But she has never let anything hold her back. She tackles every obstacle with such an amazing strength and I know that she can do anything she sets her mind to. Lara has never let anything hold her back, she passed her driving test first time and worked her way up the first professional level of scuba-diving; Dive Master. Not stopping there, Lara recently starred in a four part drama that aired on BBC1, then going on to play the main part in a drama - My Song from which she won Best Actress in the Clin d'Oeil festival in France. She worked unbelievably hard to get where she did, which is why I am so proud that I can say that at just 21 my sister is an award-winning actress.

I believe that my sister deserves to be a torchbearer as I know that she is an incredible role model. Her strength and passion are such inspiring traits, that if anyone is proof that you can achieve your dreams no matter what, she is. CR