Bernie Tetchner

Bernadette has been a teacher in inner London Primary Schools for over 30 years. She has been teacher for special needs and works in a Centre for Autism in Stockwell at Larkhall Primary School. She is a remarkable teacher. She sensitively and patiently teaches autistic primary school children to read, write and often speak. She has nurtured and helped hundreds of children throughout the years and has helped their families care for their autistic children. Last year she walked 8 miles in the Sydney `City to Surf` with her sister to raise money for the Autism Centre at Larkhall. This encouraged her youngest daughter, Isobel, to take part in the Great North Run last year, running 13.5 miles, raising hundreds of pounds for the National Autistic Society. Whilst helping many people in their struggle with special needs she has been no stranger to struggles herself. In 2009 her eldest daughter`s fiancé tragically died in a car accident and Bernadette has been a pillar of strength for her. Subsequently Bernadette has helped in her daughter`s charity work for the road safety charity `Break` raising thousands of pounds. Tragically last November her husband and father to her three children died and she again has a pillar of strength for them. Bernadette is retiring from teaching this year and I feel she deserves to be a torchbearer in the London 2012 for her services and dedication to inner London Schools and for being an inspirational woman in her personal life as well.