Huddersfield’s Joanne Kempley to carry the Olympic torch!
On the 24th June 2012, our very own Joanne Kempley will be carrying the Olympic torch through Brighouse!
Joanne’s nomination story
Joanne was born with Downs Syndrome and with a serious heart defect, requiring open heart surgery when she was 6 years old. Prior to the operation she had very little energy and even unable to walk upstairs. Following the operation she blossomed, and exceeded any expectations in terms of overcoming her disabilities. She has a full and varied life and recently was appointed ladies team captain representing Great Britain at the Downs Syndrome World Swimming Championships in Taiwan bringing home two bronze and one silver medal with the ladies relay teams She is also European champion in the 50, 100 breastroke events. (She trains 5 times a week). Joanne carries out voluntary work with a special needs pre-school group, providing care and being a role model to parents showing what can be achieved with a disability. She also works one day a week in the Shelter Charity shop. She has achieved has achieved her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and presently working towards her silver. For two days week she is a member of Full Body and the Voice Theatre Company and has worked with South Yorkshire Police assisting with police training; appeared in two productions and has recently been filmed for a TV series. She has also taken part in workshops in local schools. She is a friendly, outgoing, chatty young lady who sees every day of her life as her `best ever` and enjoys life to the full. Joanne is living proof of what can be achieved if you have a disability.
If you want to follow the torch when it comes to our region see the route here: Salford – Leeds Olympic Torch route