Carrying the Torch
In January this year, I received a letter from the Commonwealth Games Committee informing me that I had been chosen to carry the "baton" on part of its 50 day journey around Britain prior to the commencement
of the 17th Commonwealth Games in Manchester. I was completely unaware that my
husband had secretly written in and nominated me, but ever so chuffed that he
had. To be chosen from the thousands of nominees was a great honour especially
when you take into account that only 2500 of the 5000 that were chosen were
"ordinary" people. When I say ordinary, everyone was assessed on his or her own merits and on how they have contributed to society. I myself was a secondary school music teacher until MS robbed me of my sight
and I also conducted the Warrington Male Voice Choir. |
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The other 2500 comprised of famous athletes and celebrities. As a visually impaired person with MS, I was concerned that I might not be up to the task as I am unable to run but the officials organising the event assured me that I would be fine. They said they would schedule enough time to allow me and Felix to walk the allotted distance. By the way, Felix is my guide dog! In early May I received my uniform and details of where I would be carrying the "baton". I was quite pleased to discover that my leg of the relay would be local and very near to where I grew up. This meant that there would be plenty of people that actually knew me, to spur me on my way. I wasn't too pleased about the uniform though. It consisted of a tee shirt and shorts that came down to my knees! I ask you? My moment of glory and I'm looking like Nobby Stiles, besides which my legs haven't seen the light of day for years. My husband assured me that I looked great and just to make sure he came home with a tube of fake tan. There's confidence for you! |
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In between January and July I was ill three times with MS related symptoms and more than once I wondered whether or not I would actually be well enough to do it. My husband became my full time carer 14 months ago and with his loving care and attention I made it to the 21st of July fit and raring to go. The weather had been wet and cloudy during the preceding week but on the actual day it was glorious sunshine. After an early lunch I gave Felix an extra special grooming and got myself ready for the occasion. Warrington golf course was the rendezvous point for all the baton carriers on our leg of the journey and we arrived there in plenty of time to meet with the officials who told us exactly what would be happening. |
Following the briefing session with the
Baton Relay Crew I boarded the Runner Shuttle Bus that was to take me to my
starting point. During the ride I was shown how to handle the Baton and had the
whole concept of the Relay explained to me. I was amazed to find that there
were 100 people involved with the convoy, most of who were volunteers, and 11
of which were Police Motor Cycle Escorts! Time flew and before I knew it I was
at my starting point. My heart was in my mouth. As I got off the bus outside
The Cat & Lion Public House an enormous cheer went up. I looked round to
see who they were applauding expecting to see someone famous, such was the roar
of the crowd, but no, the hullabaloo was for ME!
Several Police motorcyclists rushed passed me, I was aware of the blue flashing lights and the roar of powerful engines. The last one stopped at my side and the Policeman on it assisted me into position. I was then joined by two other runners. They were in uniforms similar to mine, but I knew they were undercover Police Officers. One of them passed the base of the Baton over the palm of my hand whereupon an electrode recorded my heart rate and displayed it as a pulsating neon light for all the world to see!
This was it! My five minutes in history were about to begin! With the Baton firmly grasped in my right hand, Felix's lead and handle in my left and butterflies in my stomach, I gave Felix the command "Forward" and away we went. Felix strutted off ahead with his head held high, almost as if he knew the importance of what we were doing. He was completely unphased by the whole thing. |
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concentration, or my husband leaping out all over the place with his camera,
bless him! I must say though that he went off at a heck of a lick! (The dog
that is!). I could hardly keep up with him. In hindsight I should have worn
roller skates! All along my allotted route people were waving flags and shouting encouragement to me. Although I can't see very well I could recognise voices in the crowd and suddenly realised that my sister was cheering me on. This was a huge surprise for me because she lives in Kent and had 'phoned me early that morning to wish me luck as she wouldn't be able to come and watch me. This really was the Icing on the cake! I've not had such a good day for ages! |
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Before I knew it I was almost at the end and the escort told me that the next runner was about twenty yards in front of me. By this time though I was ready to hand over the Baton. The organisers had said to change hands frequently during the run but I was unable to because I was controlling Felix. My arm was all but dropping off and my legs felt as if I was wading knee-deep in mud!
A few more steps and I passed the Baton to the next lucky recipient who was waiting just ahead. I wished her luck and was ushered safely off the road by an official into the waiting arms of family and friends. My place in history was secured! In all I carried the Baton for only 350 yards but I shall treasure the memory for a very long time, if not forever. MS be damned! You've not got me yet! Sandra Waite |
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