Nicki Cockburn

My sister Nicola was born blind with a rare genetic disorder. Despite this she has raised over £25,000 for Charities by doing events such as themed social nights, walking 173 miles along canal paths, The Great North run and standing hours on end with a collection box. An example of her achievement - She has never seen anyone run and had to learn this skill by practice and dedication to training. Although she picked up injuries, she was determined to complete the event smiling all the way round as she was aware she had supporters and the charity to make proud. Her guide dog has given her a degree of independence. Nicola takes her into local schools to speak about blindness and overcoming obstacles through disability. A subject she is passionate about from her own understanding. Nicola is aware she can not experience things others take for granted like driving a car or shopping on her own. Her experience comes from opportunities and assistance from others to show and explain things like a delicate flower, a sculpture or the latest fashion. Being a Torchbearer for the Olympics will give Nicola practical and tactile experience she misses out on. A sense of what it's like to be apart of the Olympics and a memory of being involved. Nicola can hear the Torch Relay and Olympics on the television but the concept is lost with the noise of cheering and silence. For Nicola, holding the Torch will give her hands on involvement of being part of something truly amazing.