Michelle Kohlschein

Michelle is the most inspirational and selfless woman I know. She works tremendously hard and in the few hours that she has to spare she selflessly and devotedly helps others. She works tirelessly and without thanks: she does Meals on Wheels and other voluntary work, she provides a listening ear and listens without judgment in order to help people. Her sister has recently been diagnosed with bowel cancer and she provides hours of support without respite or complaint. She gives up her time to help others and for her it is the small things that make a difference: making someone a birthday cake whose lack of family meant that had not celebrated his birthday in ten years, having coffee with someone just so that they might have some human contact or making someone an inspirational card that will brighten their day. Small, thoughtful gestures which bring joy into someone else's life. Michelle is quietly unassuming: she never takes, only gives, and whilst many people ask things of her she is so magnanimous she never says no even if it means sacrificing her own personal interests. She rarely thinks of herself. Sadly her compassion goes unrecognised but if she were to be given a chance to carry the Olympic torch it would act as a symbol of her unwavering generosity and thoughtfulness. Like the Olympic flame, Michelle's determination to help others continues to burn and if she were nominated as a torchbearer it would represent her unerring dedication and compassion for other people.