\u201cWe\u2019d managed to get tickets to the games as spectators for two days but I thought why not apply to volunteer as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was September last year and I had to go to the library in Birmingham for an interview where they went through my CV and had a chat about what my skills were and how they could relate to a volunteering role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI heard I\u2019d been successful in February and then had to attend a training course so they could decide which area I\u2019d be most suitable to support in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jo, who is from Sheldon in the West Midlands, spent 11 days as part of the \u2018Games family\u2019 based at the NEC, helping delegates and dignitaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She also attended the opening ceremony at the Alexander Stadium, seeing the likes of former world champion swimmer Mark Foster and BBC presenter Hazel Irvine to their seats, along with international dignitaries from the likes of Tonga and Samoa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While volunteering at the NEC, which played host to sports such as boxing, netball, table tennis and weightlifting, Jo also met the Earl and Countess of Wessex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said: \u201cThe whole experience was just the best time. The atmosphere was brilliant and to be part of it all was very special, as the games won\u2019t come here again in my lifetime. I\u2019m just so proud of Birmingham for hosting such a brilliant event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI actually enjoyed it so much I have already applied to volunteer at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Australia!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jo has worked here at Willows for 12 years, having started out as a Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said: \u201cI\u2019d previously worked for the Halifax for 21 years and was made redundant. I\u2019ve always been an animal lover and Willows had just moved to its current state-of-the-art hospital in Solihull, so I decided to put myself through college to complete a VCA course and then applied to join Willows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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