London 2012 blog

I work as part of Team Stadium, responsible for contaminated ground monitoring. I have been actively working on the project for 12 weeks.

Originally from Dagenham, I was delighted to see the 2012 Games awarded to London. The Games themselves will be a great event and opportunity for the country. The regeneration of Stratford and surrounding areas will demonstrate to the world the skills, commitment and management expertise that exist within the UK, something we all know exists but do very little to shout about!

I recently relocated from the UK to live in France so I probably have one of the longest weekly commutes on the project. My unplanned return to work in London has special meaning for me. My daughter Lisa won the 1500m at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games in and she has been identified as a possible member of the GB team for the Beijing 2008 Games. She is currently being ranked 17th in the world for the 1500m. At 24-years-old Lisa has every chance of competing in 2012. It was great to be able to stand in the middle of the Stadium site and tell her that, for once, I beat her there.

Lisa at the Commonwealth Games:

Lisa's training during her school years meant that my other children were 'dragged' along to the Ashford Athletics Stadium three times a week. However, as a result of this, my youngest daughter Sarah went on to represent England in the shot put and my two sons have broken many school records and competed at county level in both running and throwing events.

I am very passionate about the effects that competitive sports can have on children and young adults and a coach I know very well often says that everyone will find a sport that they enjoy and excel at, they just need to be given the opportunity and facilities. My hope is that the London 2012 venues will offer this opportunity to youngsters from the surrounding areas and beyond.