Joannie was diagnosed with two brain tumours eight years ago. She has since used her own personal situation to become a patient representative, offering supporting and giving her time to help others in the same situation. Joannie has always had a positive attitude to life. She suffers from eye problems because of the surgery and tumours, but does not let that deter her from doing cycling challenges around the world to fundraise for various charities.
The Queen’s Baton arrived in Scotland after an extraordinary 248-day global journey through the 69 member nations and territories that form the Commonwealth. The iconic baton will now spend the next 40 days travelling through 400 communities across Scotland and will be carried by over 4000 lucky baton bearers.
The baton began its first day in the host country with a warm welcome from the residents of border town Coldstream in a memorable inauguration ceremony before the 42 mile trip to the capital, Edinburgh.
Coldstream, the historic Scottish Borders town on the banks of the River Tweed, provided a stunning backdrop for the arrival of the Queen’s Baton into Scotland. England representative and British triple gold medallist Daley Thompson handed the baton to Team Scotland athlete Eilidh Child on the border at Coldstream Bridge at 07:45.
The baton’s arrival was greeted by the local community who were keen to participate in the momentous welcoming ceremony. Residents and schoolchildren lined the road to fly the flags of the Commonwealth and the first selection of baton bearers proudly carried Her Majesty’s message into Scotland.
Scottish stars of sport and entertainment were joined by heroes of the local community to carry the famous baton north to Edinburgh.
Lynne McNicoll from Edinburgh received the baton from Scots rugby legend Gavin Hastings as the baton reached Edinburgh. Lynne has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for children affected by cancer.
Michael Mair, who set up a Scouts group at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh, carried the baton through the city centre.
Also joining the really in the city was Mairon Muetzelfeldt , a teacher of 40 years who is an enthusiastic charity worker and has organised hundreds of street collections for a number of good causes.
The baton finished its first day in Edinburgh visiting a number of locations including Edinburgh Castle and 1986 Commonwealth Games venues, the Royal Commonwealth Pool and Meadowbank Stadium.
The day was capped with a celebration for the baton in Princess Street Gardens. Former Commonwealth Gold medallist and MBE Alex Arthur held the baton aloft beneath Edinburgh castle to a fan fare of music and dance. Signalling the baton’s return to the city that was so electric as a host in 1986.