Alan Acreman

I'd like to nominate my Dad to be a torch bearer as he has always been a keen and inspiring sportsman. As a teenager his dreams of representing Wales as a cyclist at the Commonwealth Games were prematurely brought to an end when he contracted polio. Following the illness he was unable to return to competitive cycling, through the damage caused to his left leg muscles, but he has participated in many sports throughout his life since, to keep himself fit and healthy, and competitive! Still running and cycling on his 70th birthday he celebrated by riding 70 kms and running 7 miles. At 73 he suffered a number of heart 'episodes' and was fitted with a pacemaker. Whilst shaking him up, this didn't stop him though, and at 74 he remains fit by either running, cycling or walking, most days. Last year, as a family, we were devastated by my fit and otherwise healthy Mum passing away from a particularly aggressive form of cancer. Like my Dad, she became a keen runner from the age of 40 and won many trophies and accolades, often as a veteran competitor in later years, and achieved a world record at a relay running event. My Dad, would love to be able to carry the torch as a tribute to my Mum. Both parents are an incredible inspiration when it comes to staying fit and positive throughout life, despite any setbacks, challenges or illness.