OLYMPIC TORCH EXCITEMENT IN NOTTINGHAM

By Stephanie Bird
The Olympic Torch route has been announced and excitement is mounting around the city, and one woman from Nottingham feels this more than most. She has been nominated for the chance to become a torch bearer when the Olympics return to London in 2012.
Pam Idoine has passed the first stage of the process and her application will now go before judges to determine whether she will be one of the 8,000 taking part in the torch relay.
Pam said: “My daughter, Eloise, heard about the nominations and it was her decision to suggest me as a candidate.
“She told the committee that I am an inspiration to her. The fact that Eloise nominated me means the most – if I do get to carry the torch, that will be a bonus.”
Pam is well known in her community for the vast amount of local charity work she does, which is the main basis for her nomination. Having been on the Nottingham Multiple Sclerosis fundraising committee for 17 years, Pam has helped raise over £20,000 a year.
The fundraising doesn’t stop there. As an enthusiastic tennis player, with high fitness levels,
55-year-old Pam has also cycled twice round Vietnam for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Other charities she has raised money for include Nottingham Hospice, Age UK and Cancer Research.
Pam added: “If I am chosen it will obviously be an honour and a privilege to be a part of such an amazing event.
“The fact that the torch is coming to Nottingham on its journey across the UK is wonderful – and should make us all feel that we are involved in the experience.”
The torch will arrive in Nottingham on the 28th June next year, when an evening celebration will take place in the city. It will then continue its journey the following day to other cities throughout the UK, before ending at the Olympic Stadium on 27th July.