Linda Arthan

Linda Arthan has been a secondary school PE teacher for 34 years, helping to develop and guide the aspirations and skills of thousands of children of all abilities. Lin always has the time, patience and ability to encourage children and adults to make the most of their lives and raise their self-esteem through participation and achievement in sport. One of her best and proudest moments was when she supported two young men with disabilities to climb to the top of Cader Idris. Another was finding herself competing in the same team as one of her pupils who she had encouraged to take up the Triathlon. Linda loves sharing her enthusiasm of physical activity to ensure everyone is able to take part with the support they need to do so. She herself has represented Great Britain in the Triathlon on 4 occasions, despite having undergone surgery twice on her ankle (and run 2 London marathons raising money for our local hospital). I have known Lin for over 45 years, when at school, our shared interest in sport and Lin's enthusiasm for life became a solid foundation for a long lasting friendship. When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2002, Lin was one of the first people to visit and continue to support and encourage me through some very difficult times. Lin marvels at her wonderful family and friends, but "You reap what you sow" and Linda's enthusiasm for life and especially for the people around her, make her, in my opinion, an excellent ambassador to bear the Olympic torch.