Mary Pearce

As the BBC's Sports News Correspondent I have specialised in the London Olympics since a bid was first discussed back in 2001. I have followed the Games every step of the way and my family have supported me through each twist and turn. It's been quite a journey. I was always a passionate supporter of the London bid, and as the years have gone by I've been delighted to see that enthusiasm gradually rub off onto those around me. My mother has taken a particularly keen interest in the progress of London 2012. A photograph of myself and Sue Barker, jumping into the air in Singapore in 2005 when Jacques Rogge announced that London had won, stands in pride of place on my mother's ktchen wall. I couldn't have completed my personal Olympic journey over the past ten years without the support of my mother. She has never sought any reward from me, but I know that she would dearly love to carry the torch, and I would be so proud to watch her do it. She represents everything that is good about the United Kingdom. For decades she has given her time to numerous good causes. She is at the heart of her community, whether it's running a Church sale, taking charge of her village's old persons' club, driving around handing out meals on wheels, or visiting the sick in hospital. She has supported me and countless other people too, and as a sports lover who fully comprehends the significance of the Olympic movement she would be a very worthy bearer of the torch as it heads towards London.