Michael Seger

Michael asked me to nominate our daughter Zhanna (named after Zhanna Block) who will celebrate her 9th birthday the day the torch comes to Norwich. As she is under 12 I wish to nominate Michael instead. We met when I was 18, he is 20 years my senior. When a teenager Michaels' family moved abroad & he remained in the UK. At 15 this affected him deeply & he dabbled in petty crime & drug use. Prison life reignited a childhood love of running - in plimsolls around the yard! The discipline and freedom this gave enabled him to rebuild his life. He has had no convictions for 20+ years & has spent the last 10 caring for the elderly. He runs regularly and competes in half and full marathons. His love of running inspired me, I lost 7+ stones in weight giving me the confidence to fulfil my own ambitions. We both hope to run London next year. 10 years on from meeting we enjoy life with our 3 children whom we also hope will be inspired by sport. Although I know Michael would think his story unremarkable I believe it gives hope to the nations troubled youth & shows how a love of sport can greatly improve lives. Michael's enthusiasm as not only benefited him but changed my life also, I could never have imagined running a half marathon as I did in November 09. It would be the most amazing honour for him to partake in this & if his daughter Zhanna could hold his hand throughout it would make his LIFE - I just know it. After all he has given me it would be my way to say thank you.