Northleach woman lends a hand at the paralympics (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Northleach woman lends a hand at the paralympics

12:00pm Saturday 8th September 2012 in News By Ian Craig

YOU don’t have to be a world-class sportsman to get involved in the Paralympics, as one Northleach woman has found out.

Lettie Tongue, who suffers from cerebral palsy, has been lending a hand at the Olympic Park in London during the second of this summer’s games taking tickets, greeting visitors and directing them to events.

The 21-year-old, who also volunteers at Northleach Primary School, said she applied to work as a volunteer last year and was thrilled when she was accepted.

“When I was interviewed I said I thought it would be really good to be able to help at the Paralympics as I have a disability myself,” she said.

“I enjoy sport and have done horse-riding and tennis, although because of surgery I had last year I’m not able to at the moment.

“I really hope to be able to get to see some sport myself.”

Kerry-Ann Lees, Area Manager for Stroud-based homecare provider DoCare, who visit Lettie and her family twice a day, said she was delighted Lettie had been given the opportunity.

“Lettie is very independent and has a very positive attitude to life, so it is not surprising that she invariably manages to achieve something she sets her mind to,” she said.