Olympic Torchbearers
8,000 inspirational people from around the UK carried the Olympic Flame as it journeyed across the UK. Nominated by someone they knew, it was their moment to shine, inspiring millions of people watching in their community, in the UK and worldwide.
Click on the links below to meet some of the Torchbearers who carried the Olympic Flame through the South West of England and read their inspirational stories.
19 May
Mandy Hewitt, who was nominated by her daughter, carried the Olympic Flame through Helston on behalf of everyone who helped in their community and didn’t get the recognition they deserve. Read Mandy’s story
Clare Heslop carried the Olympic Flame through Bugle in honour of her sister Jane Gregory, a Team GB Dressage rider who tragically died of a heart attack in April 2011. Read Clare’s story
Michael ‘Spike' Reid recently sustained severe injuries defending a team of young people against attack from a polar bear on an educational research expedition. Read Michael's story
20 May
Hannah Batterbee, who suffers from Battens Disease, carried the Flame through Stoke Fleming. Read Hannah's story
Royal Naval Reservist Commander Jane Allen and husband Captain Frank Allen, Royal Marines (retired), were nominated and selected separately to be Olympic Torchbearers. Read Jane and Frank's story
Daniel Weston,a very keen, committed sports person despite suffering from Autism, hopes to take part in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Read Daniel's story
Thomas Pearce was the youngest deaf Torchbearer in the country when he carried the Olympic Flame through Taunton. Read Thomas’s story and find out what his school were doing to celebrate
22 May
Malcolm Plaster had dedicated the last 50 years to coaching, teaching and actively promoting skiing in schools and the concept of sports for all. Read Malcolm’s story
Talan Skeels-Piggins overcame potentially life threatening injuries to compete in the 2010 Winter Paralympics and become the first paralysed solo-motorcycle racer in the history of British Motorsport. Read Talan's story
83 year-old John Grant is an inventor, author and company director – proving once and for all that age is just a number! Read John’s story
23 May
Kate Hincks and her mother Jenny were both been selected to carry the Olympic Flame. Wheelchair user Kate will carried the Flame through Royal Wootton Bassett. Read Kate's story
14 year-old Kathryn Groarke-Oliver hoped to raise awareness of ADHD and Aspergers Syndrome. Read Kathryn's story
75 year-old Sylvia Charlewood was nominated to be a Torchbearer by her granddaughter in recognition of the money Sylvia raised for her local Breast Cancer Clinic. Read Sylivia's story
24 May
Town and District Councillor, Jenny Hincks, was nominated to be a Torchbearer in recognition of her voluntary work. She carried the Flame through Gloucester. Read Jenny's story
1 July
13 year-old Louis suffered from Idiopathic thrombocytapaenia but never let his condition stop him playing sport. Read Louis’ story
12 July
Tisbury-based Margaret Thomas was nominated for her five years of voluntary coaching. She competed at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, target Pistol Shooting. Read Margaret's story
13 year-old Jack Delaney had a number of severe disabilities affecting his spine, hips and feet, yet he gave up almost every weekend to help other disabled and disadvantaged children attend sporting and cultural events. Read Jack’s story
Tim Ellis, who will carried the Olympic Flame through Dorchester, had recently undertook the most difficult challenge of his life – to get from Marble Arch in London to the Arc De Triomphe in Paris. Read Tim’s story
Keen sportsman Peter Fry, 66, says he is ‘greatly honoured’ to have been selected as both an Olympic Torchbearer and Games Maker. Read Peter's story
13 July
Harry Alford was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer in 2010 aged 10. He was nominated to carry the Olympic Flame by his teachers at Royal Manor Arts College, in recognition of his bravery and inspirational attitude. Read Harry’s story
14 July
Sue Stearn has dedicated the last 40 years to playing and coaching sport. Sue, a swimming teacher at Littledown Centre, said she ‘could not be more proud and excited’ to carry the Olympic Flame. Read Sue’s story
There was a full list of Torchbearers on the London 2012 website