Didcot Instructor Mo Merchant is in training to carry the Olympic Torch as it passes through Nettlebed in Oxfordshire.
Following a tense wait, Super Mo has finally received the green light from the organisers and has seen her profile loaded up onto the London2012 website.
Mo was nominated by Flying Officer Jane Wicks, a fellow staff member at Didcot, who praised here dedication to duty “For 23 years Mo has helped and inspired thousands of youngsters devoting countless evenings to teaching, weekends to activity camps, adventure training, numerous sports and Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, week long overseas and UK camps”.
The nomination continues with a look into Mo’s other activities” Soon to be 70, this proud grandmother who helps RAFA and drives a 54 seater school coach by day, refuses to retire gracefully and remains one of the most active, respected and reliable volunteers in the Corps.”
Mo’s nomination storyMo Merchant deserves the honour of bearing the Olympic torch because she has been a guiding light for so many. Mo served in the WRAF before marrying and raising 2 daughters. When her younger daughter enrolled in the Air Cadets she signed up as a volunteer instructor, quickly moving into uniform as a Warrant Officer. For 23 years Mo has helped and inspired thousands of youngsters devoting countless evenings to teaching, weekends to activity camps, adventure training, numerous sports and Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, week long overseas and UK camps. She always throws herself into full participation ensuring every cadet benefits. She has also been an inspiration and mentor to many adults wishing to follow a similar path. Soon to be 70, this proud grandmother who helps RAFA and drives a 54 seater school coach by day, refuses to retire gracefully and remains one of the most active, respected and reliable volunteers in the Corps.