Paul Woodham

Paul never seeks the limelight and i bet many people don't even know how much of his life he spends significantly improving life for other people. To me he is a true hero- selfless, kind, compassionate and committed. So what does he do? Well in the 10 years that i've known him he has been through the sudden loss of both of his parents, family challenges and the usual stuff that life throws at you - but still he consistently commits his annual leave from work to taking severely disabled kids on holiday to give their carers a rest (with the charity SENSE) - he has risen to a leadership role in his local Samaritans centre - most recently i think he took on the unenviable of co-ordinating the fundraising. He isn't just a 'pair of hands' with SENSE & The Samaritans he strives to take on real responsibility with them in training & leadership positions. Whilst he hasn't had a family himself he is the epitome of a fantastic Uncle/Brother/Cousin, a great friend to lots of lucky people & a committed member of his church. Paul is the essence of an unsung hero - a sports fanatic he is in every way the fabric of his great community. His joy in life is sports, both taking part in, supporting and encouraging others.A life long QPR supporter - that alone reflects his commitment to a cause!! He would carry the torch with huge pride as the olympics reflect all that he loves - sports, community & the UK - the privilege of this opportunity would be embraced by this amazing man. Re my leadership role with the Samaritans, I served 3 years as deputy director for recruitment, not fundraising as Sarah mentions.