Paralympic role for Vale paramedic

Buy photos » Barbara Hynes has been chosen as a Paralympic volunteer. (s)

A PARAMEDIC said she feels "chuffed" after being chosen as a volunteer at the Paralympic Games.

Barbara Hynes, who is based at Evesham Ambulance Station, applied for the position two years ago and was delighted to be told she will be working at the Velodrome and the Olympic Park.

The 61-year-old travelled down to London this week for the start of the 11-day event which began with a spectacular opening ceremony on Wednesday (August 29).

Mrs Hynes said she had almost forgotten about her application before she heard the good news.

"I thought I would have retired from the ambulance service by now because I’m getting old! So when they advertised two years ago for volunteers I thought ‘I’ll have a go at that’," she said.

"I like the big occasion and put in an application and forgot about it. Last summer I had an email to ask me if I would I like to go to a selection process at Coventry. In February they selected me to work at event services at the Velodrome. I’m going to be one of Seb’s little helpers."

"I was chuffed. I’m happy to be at the Velodrome, it’s a beautiful building and the whole park is stunning."

Mrs Hynes will be at the Velodrome for four days before carrying out a number of other duties in the Olympic Park.

And she has already experienced the London Olympics attending one of the dry runs of the Game's opening ceremony as part of the audience.

"London had such a lovely buzz," she added.

"The whole spirit of the capital city was wonderful. I am quite looking forward to it."

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