Mary Down

I would like to nominate my mum, Mary, to carry the torch. In the first instance the torch will be in Devon on her 60th birthday and I know it would be a super highlight for her to carry it. Let me tell you some more about her. She brought my sister and myself up as a single parent in a small village. Despite very difficult times she always encouraged us to participate and gave up much of her own time to help. With me it was rugby and St John's Ambulance. My sister, Girl Guides and Scouts. She gave a lot of time to village life by becoming the Brown Owl of the Brownie pack and even teaching Maypole Dancing to the school children. She has always tried to help others. That may be in the form of lifts and a helping hand to neighbours and elderly people in the village. Or more formal charity work. She is a Samaritan and regulary gives time to listen. Two years ago my son, Seth, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Since then my mum has worked tirelessly to raise money for the charity, Action Duchenne. Holding many events from cream teas to choir recitals to sponsored cycle rides. She has recently become futher involved by becoming a Trustee for the charity. On a personal level she has been a great support to me and my family through these difficult times. I think it would be fantastic to combine two great occassions on the 20/05/2012. The Olympic torch in Devon and My mum's 60th birthday.