Murray Carnie

Murray has been my hockey coach for 20 years. He has been an inspiration to me and many others in the North East for many years and I am glad to say that it is through his motivation and enthusiasm that I was able to complete at the Olympics in 2008, finishing 5th with the mens hockey team. He deserves the honour of carrying the Olympic torch as a way of him being recognised for the hours of dedication he has shown to help young athletes in the North East. In particular the many hours that he has spent on a rain soaked hockey pitch, travelling to Edinburgh to coach me at his own expense, travelling down to Bisham Abbey to help coach me in the GB squad. Murray has not only helped athletes through hockey but also golf, encouraging youngsters from many different backgrounds to play golf through the Paul Lawrie Golf Foundation. I feel that bestowing the honour of torch bearer to Murray is the only way that he can be thanked for his years of dedication, support and guidance. A truly inspirational man who deserves to be acknowledged for the huge contribution that he has made to my sporting life and success and that of others.