Paul Golding

I co-ordinate a volunteer scheme for adults who are for many different reasons isolated or excluded in society, the role operates in the front line reception of our local authority offices, and the volunteers perform a variety of functions, including assisting customers with automated payment machines and self help computers. Paul has been a volunteer here for some 8 months, Paul has a learning disability with the challenge of a profound speech impediment. Paul's speech issues provide him with daily challenges but over and above that he puts himself in a position where he has to confront this for several hours each week as a volunteer. It would be easy for Paul to hide in the background yet he doesn't he steps forward to help others visiting the council offices and represents the true values of volunteering. I consider Paul to be an incredibily positive and courageous role model and an inspiration to others who face personal challenges. But of course Paul in his humble and gracious way just see's it as his part in giving something back to his community. I believe that Paul would be an ideal candidate as a torch bearer for a short leg in the Maidstone area, and represents the ideals of the Olympics. I am proud to know and nominate Paul for the honour of completing a leg of the torch relay, and respectfully submit this application for your consideration.