A WOKING woman will be pitching up at Wembley Stadium on Saturday to sing her heart out in front of a crowd of 80,000 rugby fans – and a worldwide TV audience of millions.
Sue Lewis-Badgett and about 120 other former Olympic Games Makers will be part of the entertainment for ‘The Big Hit’ Rugby League World Cup semi finals.
The Big Hit involves two exciting back-to-back games – England versus New Zealand, followed by Australia v Fiji – the winners of which will meet in the World Cup final at Old Trafford in Manchester the following week.
Last year Sue was a volunteer Games Maker at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, working as an event services team leader at Wimbledon and for the Paralympics in the Olympic Park.
When the Olympics were over, she wanted to stay involved and joined the Games Maker Choir.
Since then they have sung for Help for Heroes at London’s Horse Guards Parade, and for Join In at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Sue (right) said: “The greatest challenge yet will be singing in front of such a massive crowd as well as a world TV audience of millions.
“To be honest, I haven’t sung in a choir since I was at school and sung a solo in French with my twin sister at our local church, but I love singing with my fellow former Games Makers.
“They’re an amazing bunch of people of all ages and from such diverse backgrounds but with a common bond, who now produce some heartwarming sounds to make you feel proud. It reminds me of the finals day at Wimbledon working on Centre Court when I could have exploded with pride hearing the phenomenal noise from the crowd as Andy Murray won gold.
“Being in the choir means so much to me. It’s something I can share with my mum who sadly was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.”
Since taking early retirement, Sue has spent more than nine years volunteering with Horsell Care, the Neighbourhood Care Scheme and helps to organise trips for residents.
She added: “There’s always room for new volunteers!”
For further information visit www.horsellcare.org.uk