Ruth Bendle

In the seven years I've known Ruth, she's dealt with more than most do in a lifetime. Whilst at university and at only 20 years old she, along with her sister, was diagnosed with the same cancer which took her father only 2 years previous, and had also taken several other members of her family over the years. Not only did Ruth undergo a radical operation to save her life, but she came through the process with such admirable strength of character and now regularly gives up her time to work with Cancer Research UK speaking about her experiences to help others who face their own battle against the disease. I know that through this work she has helped people of all ages come to terms and get through some very difficult periods of their lives. Her ability to face up to the most terrible challenges life has thrown at her never ceases to amaze me. But that's not why I'm nominating her. I'm nominating her because despite her own troubles she's always there for the people in her life in their own good times and bad, and I'm proud to be able to call her a friend? and I think the Olympics is about spreading that message of friendship.