Roderick Conlon

I'm nominating my cousin Roddy as someone who really makes the difference. Roddy has been a primary carer to our aunt (the sister of both our mums) who has very advanced multiple sclerosis (MS) for over 10 years now. Before classes or work he gets up very early and head over to her house to help lift my aunt out of bed in the mornings, make her some tea and breakfast, drive her to the hospital/ dentist/ shopping. He gives so much of himself and with such good humour and patience - redecorating on multiple occasions after we've made adaptions to the house in order to fit the bigger wheel-chair, adapted bathroom and moved the bedroom downstairs. Only last year Roddy was diagnosed and treated for testicular cancer, thankfully making an excellent recovery and being clear for over eight months. It was a shock for him but he dealt with in his usual quiet way and as soon as the effects of the chemo decreased he was back over to help our aunt. He is a great friend, loving cousin and nephew who inspires me and others because he gives very selflessly, without fuss or expectation of a reward - he has the spirit of a true Olympian and I think he is very deserving of carrying the torch in Northern Ireland for London 2012.