In short, when seeking an individual to assist the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company recruit a highly diverse and dedicated army of volunteers, there was simply no other choice than the “sports mad” history-making frame runner.

“I’m still lost for words when I think about my journey,” says the Glasgow 2014 Clydesider, turned Glasgow 2026 Board Member. “It’s has been remarkable.

“I didn’t think I’d leave a Special Needs school at 16, go into volunteering, take every opportunity along the way, learn from each experience and now be with the Organising Committee; I just feel humbled.

“When I was asked if I’d get involved as a Non-Executive Director I thought, ‘would I want to go into a board position which is a completely different from being hands on?’ But it’s giving something back and being able to use my voice to influence decisions which will improve diversity and inclusion.”

Julie’s volunteering journey began at the age of 16 in hospital radio during the early 2000’s, before “getting the bug” for sporting contests following her first multi-discipline event, the 2005 Special Olympic Great Britain National Games, in her home city.

“I know how challenging it is for people with a disability,” says Julie, who has Cerebral Palsy.

“Volunteering gave me confidence, as well as a purpose because I knew I was making a valuable contribution to society as a citizen. It definitely helped me on my employment journey and now I can say, 20 years of volunteering has really paid off!”

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CARRYING FLAMES AND HANGING OUT WITH HOY

 

The Glaswegian’s commitment to volunteering and the promotion of para sport was acknowledged in 2012, when she carried the Olympic torch through Merchant City as it made its way towards London.

Julie then performed a high-profile role ahead of Glasgow 2014 when, as part of an illustrious group which included Sir Chris Hoy, she helped launch the Queen’s Baton Relay on its 120,000-mile journey around the Commonwealth, from Buckingham Palace.

“Being one of the ten to carry the Baton in London was an incredible opportunity and to be recognised for volunteering as well as all the work I’d done over the years was truly remarkable,” she recalls with a beaming smile.

“Sir Chris Hoy, obviously he’s a legend and after I carried the Baton with him in 2013, I then got to get to meet him again at the European Championships in 2018 and he recognised me!

“I wasn’t in the best frame of mind as I was still recovering from an accident back then, but Chris gave me a hug and it really lifted my spirits.

“To have that connection was truly special and is one of the many magical things which can happen when you volunteer.”

VOLUNTEERING LED TO SUCCESSES IN AND OUT OF SPORT

Julie openly admits volunteering gave her the confidence to take on challenges she would likely have felt “too scared” to attempt beforehand. She insists her experiences were crucial to her return to education, work as a journalist with the Glasgow Times and attaining her PhD.

“I think I’ve always tried to encourage people to volunteer because many underestimate how much volunteering can do for them,” Julie says, who worked the Bowls competition at Glasgow 2014.

“The energy and passion bring the best out of you as a volunteer, I’m always buzzing when I come away and feel really energised to do something a bit more.”

Her accomplishments are not only limited to academic achievements and sport volunteering ventures, with Julie also having made history as an athlete herself in 2024.

“I did the London marathon and made history, being the first female frame runner,” recalls Julie, who completed the 26.2-mile course in five hours 59 minutes.

“It was the culmination of five months of hard work on the track at Scotstoun (which will host Athletics as well as Para Athletics at Glasgow 2026) and I can’t believe that I made history.”

HOW GLASGOW SUPPORTS DISABLED VOLUNTEERS

Glasgow 2026 has been keen to emphasise the importance of volunteers reflecting the strength and diversity within the city’s communities and is keen to hear from those with a disability who have the passion, talent and experience to make a difference in their assigned role. 

“The Games will truly embrace inclusiveness and accessibility and I just know it will be a catalyst for change when it comes to inclusion and diversity for Glasgow, which is fantastic,” Julie says.

Glasgow 2026 has committed to making ‘reasonable adaptations’ to volunteer roles to ensure those with accessibility requirements are able to take on positions at the Games.

“In my volunteering I’ve always asked for disabled parking because I find walking quite difficult due to my Cerebral Palsy, so I have to acquire pass to be near the door,” Julie reveals.

“I’ve also had to request sit-down roles, like at the World Indoor Athletics I did protocol and could sit at the desk, welcoming athletes and officials. Glasgow 2026 is keen to make volunteering accessible, so they will meet your requirements.”

Those who require companions, communicate in British Sign Language and / or have other support needs, are asked to highlight this during the application process.

VOLUNTEERING AT GLASGOW 2026 ‘COULD BE LIFE-CHANGING’

“The photos show how happy I am when I’m volunteering, I never stop laughing and I’m just incredibly grateful I’m going to be part of Glasgow 2026,” says Julie.

The Glaswegian is of course keen to emphasise the ‘fun’ elements, shared camaraderie and life-long friendships which can be attained through volunteering at major multi-sport events.

However, she is also a passionate promoter of positivity when it comes to the Commonwealth Games as a “unique diverse cultural experience”, particularly in her home city.

“The people make Glasgow,” Julie states. “It is a very multi-cultural society and I think we’ll embrace that even more during the Games with visitors from all over the world.

“2014 was a momentous moment for Glasgow which is why I’m just so delighted to have it back on home soil and I think Glasgow 2026 will set new boundaries for the Commonwealth Games in the years ahead.

“I’ve had a remarkable life journey through volunteering and you have to make the most of opportunities by grabbing it with both hands. 

Julie continues; “That’s what I want to encourage other people to do, to use Glasgow 2026 as a stepping stone to do something better in their life. It could be a life-changing moment!”