Matt Roche

I nominate Matt as a torchbearer. He was born with club feet. He had his first operation during his first month of life. He is now 15 and has had 7 subsequent operations to both his feet and legs. Despite the obvious pain of both the operation and the recovery as well as the difficulty of walking caused by having both legs in plaster he has never once complained or moaned about his lot. His attitude has been an inspiration to both his parents and has helped considerably in bearing the worry and concern that any stay in hospital engenders. He never uses his legs or feet as an excuse to get out of doing anything asked of him, but rather carries out the task with the maximum of good grace displayed by any teenager! He is a Young Leader at the local scout group and is adored by the younger boys who are all proud to be in 'Matt's Gang'. He is infinitey patient with them, listens, treats each with the same amount of respect and takes as long as is necessary to explain to them what is required and why. He makes a real difference in their enjoyment of both the activities and the scouting movement as a whole. The adult Scout Leaders also hold him in high regard and have done all they can to ensure that he stays within the Scouting movement. Matt is an inspiration, always tries to do his best, shows respect for adults and children alike and makes a real difference in the world around him.