Today’s mileage: 42.97
Number of Torchbearers: 144
Highlights for today are:
Royal London Borough of Kingston upon Thames
8.22am – Hook Community Centre: The first Torchbearer of the day James Cracknell, 40, will start the Torch Relay at the Hook Community Centre in Kingston. Since retiring from international rowing in 2004 he is perhaps best known for his physical endeavours since this time. Many of the challenges that James undertakes result in him raising huge amounts of money for charity. Currently, James is campaigning to promote the use of cycle helmets using his own inspirational journey of recovery to illustrate their importance since his near fatal collision whilst riding his bike in 2010.
9.18am – Market Place: Anna Smith, 35, from Kingston will peel away from the main convoy and carry the Flame through the pedestrian zone Market Place. Anna was nominated through the LOCOG campaign for her work as an NHS sports therapist and for rebuilding her life after being attacked coming to the aid of a neighbour and using her the horrific experience to positive effect to enhance her skills as an Occupational Therapist.
London Borough of Richmond
10.50am – Kew Gardens: John Harding, 46, from Twickenham will carry the Flame into Kew Gardens past the Palm House. John was nominated through the Lloyds TSB campaign for many years loyal service to Squire’s Garden Centre and for the foster care he and his wife have offered young people over the years.
After running near the Palm House John will hand the Flame on to a Torchbearer who will carry the Flame to the Orangery and the Olympic Rings flower display.
London Borough of Hounslow
12.20pm – Hounslow High Street: a Torchbearer will carry the Flame through Hounslow High Street, where there will be Dhol Drumming entertainment.
12.29pm – Hounslow Civic Centre: Ben Cooper, 52, from Chiswick will carry the Flame onto stage at Lampton Park. Ben was selected through the Coca-Cola campaign for his dedication to sailing both coaching young people and running training events.
London Borough of Hillingdon
2.43pm – 2.51pm Brunel University: Two music artists courtesy of the Coca-Cola Future Flame programme will carry the Flame around the Brunel Graduate School.
London Borough of Ealing
5.16pm – Northala Fields: a Torchbearer will carry the Flame from the top of the grass hill at Northala Fields and run down to join the convoy at Kensington Road.
6.50pm – Walpole Park: The last Torchbearer of the day, Thomas Thacker, 30, from Southall, will light a celebration cauldron on stage at the Ealing celebration event which will enable the Olympic Flame to be seen by the audience. Tom was nominated by the London Borough of Ealing for his commitment to sport, his voluntary work and for being a representative on the Ealing Learning Disability Partnership Board.
Evening celebration summary:
The evening celebration hosted by the London Borough of Ealing will take place on Walpole Park between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
All tickets have been allocated, please see www.ealing.gov.uk for further event information.
The evening celebration will feature a variety of entertainment staged by LOCOG and the three Presenting Partners of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay - Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung.
Lloyds TSB will present stunning acrobatic performances, Samsung will stage vibrant and engaging dance performances from Twist and Pulse, while Coca-Cola's entertainment will be provided by the Brit Award nominated Rizzle Kicks. The event will also feature dance performances and live music by local groups.
Torchbearer highlights:
Adam Pengilly will carry the Flame in Kingston upon Thames. Adam has been elected to represent athletes and their interests since 2003. Firstly within the National Governing Body, then across all GB sports on the British Athletes Commission as director and then Vice Chair, and most recently on the International Olympic Committee's Athlete Commission representing present and future Olympians from around the world. Adam is still a competing athlete in the winter sliding sport of skeleton, has been to two Olympic Games, and has a career highlight of silver at the 2009 World Championships.
Eileen Gray, 92, from Surbiton will carry the Flame through Kingston upon Thames. Eileen who was nominated through the LOCOG campaign has been awarded a CBE and is a former Mayor of Kingston who pioneered women's cycling in Britain. Eileen played a major part in women's cycling as an Olympic Sport in 1984, as well as founding the London Youth Games. Eileen served as vice-chair on the British Olympic Committee where she helped shape the direction of British Sport. Eileen was one of the first 3 women to cycle for GB. Eileen also founded the Women's Cycle Racing Association and served as president for 13 years before being elected president of the British Cycling Federation also for 13 years. Eileen received a Special Award from UCI for her outstanding services to the sport.
Daniel Devitt, 45, from Hackney is carrying the Flame in Hounslow. Selected through the Samsung campaign, Daniel has been working hard to fight Health Inequalities and Social Exclusion in a variety of roles for the last twenty years. As a key member of the Pan-Camden borough team he has worked to raise the profile of the Olympics, physical activity, and a lasting legacy for the people of Camden. As a Governor of a primary school in the East End of London Daniel works with staff to ensure that every effort is made to maximise the benefits the school can offer to some of the poorest and socially excluded children in London.
Chemmy Alcott, 30, is carrying the Flame in Ealing for putting skiing on the map in a country not known for its winters. As an athlete her dedication to succeed is paramount and as representation of our sport she continues to inspire young potentials to follow in her footsteps. As a triple Olympian and 7 time competitor in World Championships , she is still hungry for more despite shattering her leg in competition back in December 2010. Whilst recovering from an injury she has taken on sports awards presenting and after dinner speaking work inspiring others with her story.
Carol Margetts, 43, from Ealing will carry the Flame in Ealing. Carol was nominated by one of her pupils through the LOCOG programme for motivating and inspiring young people to take up sport and for being so positive and determined through her treatment for cancer.
