Rachel Coote

Rachel has a condition known as VACTERL and also Neurofibromatosis. This has severely affected her development and cause her considerable difficulties on a day-to-day basis. Since a very young age, Rachel has had to undergo surgeries and medical treatments to allow her to function with her condition and she knows that she will have to have more surgery as she gets older. She is very small for her age and shows many physical signs of how her condition affects her. Despite this Rachel is a highly positive, motivated individual who has a terrific can-do mentality. She has recently taken part in a North Yorkshire athletics event aimed at students with disabilities and medical conditions - she not only enjoyed herself immensely but showed the courage and determination to enjoy sport and compete - demonstrating the Olympic spirit - to be the best that she can be whatever life throws at you. Rachel throws herself fully into any activity she participates in and will always give 100%. She is a great role model to other young people in showing that you do not have to be pigeon-holed by a condition but that with commitment, determination, hard work and will power you can overcome the challenges that life puts in your way. She has very high expectations of herself and constantly strives to improve on her best in. Carrying the Olympic Torch would give this very special girl a chance in a lifetime to participate in the greatest sporting event known to the world.