Jackie Venn

My son Andrew passed away in January this year. He was only 24. He was diagnosed with Leukaemia at the age of 14 and sadly fought the disease on and off for 10 years. He was extremely determined to live life to the full and be happy despite everything. Words cannot express how proud I am of him. I cared for him and at the same time did a lot of fund raising for Leukaemia Research and the Royal Marsden Hospital in Surrey where he received his treatment and care. With Andrew's encouragement and the help of his friends and my friends and family, I have raised approximately £10,000, and I will continue to raise money. If I can make a difference to people like Andrew and of course their loved ones, then not so many will experience what we have. Andrew touched the hearts of many many people, but mostly he gave me the strength that I have to carry on without him in our lives and as I say, to hopefully help so many others to fight this dreadful disease or maybe even prevent it in the first place. I would be extremely honoured and proud to carry the London 2012 Olympic Flame and would like to thank Arden BMW in Maidstone for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Thank you.