FOR Donna Martin, being part of the Olympics is a once in a lifetime experience.

The 36-year-old St Helens retail worker volunteered to help at the Olympics two years ago, driven by her desire to be part of the community spirit, which is currently gripping the country.

Donna from Dentons Green explained: “I applied to an advert originally, had my interview in April last year and found out I’d been accepted in February.

“I just wanted to be part of it, because it won’t come around again in my lifetime. It’s a chance to be part of history.”

She explained her duties, which will be dealing with the public, in a “hosting” role. “I will be there for just over two weeks,” she explained. “And I’m due back on August 11. I do want to thank my employers though for their support and letting me have the time off.”

Donna, who set off for London on Wednesday morning added: “I’m hoping I will get to see the Opening Ceremony, but I’m not sure what my duties will be.

“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve got my uniform and am ready to go. I’m very community minded and want to play my part in that Olympic ideal.”

 

 

A THRILLED hospital worker was due to enjoy a sneak preview of the London 2012 Opening Ceremony yesterday – after being selected as a volunteer for the Games.

Mother-of-two Dawn Oates will be based in the Olympic park for more than a fortnight as she helps Games bosses organise staffing.

She describes it as a “once in a lifetime” event and was due to watch a ticket the technical rehearsal of Friday’s grand opening yesterday (Wednesday).

Dawn, 53, has booked annual leave from her job at St Helens Hospital, where she has worked for 36-years as a personal secretary in the eye clinic.

The keen rugby league fan said: “My family are very proud that I have been chosen. Seventy thousand volunteers were selected out of 240,000 who applied.  
“They’ve made it possible for me to take part in this fantastic opportunity to showcase our country to the rest of the world.

“I’ll be taking my Saints shirt down to London for photo opportunities as and when they arise”

Dawn, from Sutton, is married to Tony, and is mum to Amy, 23 and Liam, 21. She will be camping in Walthamstow for 19 nights with a fellow volunteer from Birmingham. 

The Saints supporter’s involvement has already led to her marshalling the torch relay in Manchester.

After London she will then volunteer at the Aquatics Centre in Manchester with the Brazilian Paralympic Squad.