Tina Read

I would like to nominate my friend Tina Read to be a Torchbearer as she truly is an inspiration as well as a really genuine human being. Tina has stood by me and my family through times when others shrugged and walked away. Our youngest son Joe was diagnosed with severe Autism 7 years ago which turned our lives upside down. Tina's support was amazing she helped to raise money to take Joe to the USA for treatment. She ran marathons and gave us her own money, which she could ill afford to do, to make the trip happen and to help us pay essential bills. She has always been there with a smile and a hug when I have needed her giving me the support I need to carry on. Joe is not the only person to have benefited from her efforts; she regularly takes part in events raising funds for various charities. Adding cycling to Dublin last year to her long list of endeavours to help others. Shortly after coming back from Dublin Tina was diagnoised with breast cancer. She has approached this wicked illness with her usual positive attitude. I have watched her go through surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy without hearing a single complaint from her. Her determination to get both herself and others through life's challenges is what makes her so special. She is loved by many. Carrying the OlympicTorch would mean a huge amount to her personally; it would truly symbolize how with spirit, determination and a genuine desire to help others, life can be wonderful whatever happens.