Soroptimist International is delighted to learn that past International Assistant Programme Director, Margaret Cook, has been selected to carry the Olympic torch as it passes through Yorkshire. 

Margaret was nominated by her Soroptimist Club members to take part in the torch relay in Ilkley on June 24. She will be one of 8,000 people to carry the torch as it makes its way to the London stadium. 

While grateful and honoured to be a part of that number, she said her work would always continue – recognition or not.

“I was quite surprised. I just
believe I am here to serve, that is an old fashioned word, but I am here
to support – and women and girls in particular,” said
Margaret when interview by her local paper last week.

Margaret was nominated by SI Ilkley President, Anny Mary Inglehearn, who wrote the following as part of the application:

"Margaret is a retired nurse who has dedicated her life to voluntary
service. She’s an active member of Soroptimist International and has
travelled the world spreading our message of equality for women in all
areas of life – she’s even taken part in the events of the Commission on
the Status of Women at the UN in New York! In her role as assistant
programme director with Soroptimist International she was involved with
the development of Project Sierra. This fundraising project has recently
achieved it’s 1million pound target and has made a huge difference to
the lives women and girls who were torn apart by the civil war in Sierra
Leone."

Click here to read the local press release.

Down in the South West of the UK, Monica Martin, the president of the SI Worcester and
Malvern club has also been selected as one of the Olympic torch bearers in Worcester.  The honour has been bestowed on Monica for
her support for many charitable causes, including Soroptimist International and her volunteering work at St.
Richards Hospice.  Monica is no stranger to running – last year, at the age of 70, she completed the London marathon!

Click here to read more about Monica’s nomination.

Images: Margaret Cook at CSW 55 in February 2011 (above) and Monica Martin (right).