Only one subject

I will not get any marks for urprises today.

You all knew some time ago what my topic would be today.
It is really difficult to put it all into words right now, perhaps because I am so tired just now, and very, very emotional.

My Facebook page has gone mad and the photos I have seen already have just blown me away, especially BigScouseDave's. What a capture! Thank you also Runhills and Charm

I was up at 2.30 and relxed before going to The own Hall for the appointed 4.20 am briefing and get together. It was actually only a short briefing of what to expect and mostly relaxing with the other Torchbearers.

I was met by Caroline from Lloyds TSB Bank who explained their selection method. It seems my nomination was scrutinised by about 5 or 6 different panels before I was selected. It was also important to Lloyds TSB that their Torchbearers were local. I'm pleased I got a local slot. Many on our bus had travelled a long way.

We were encouraged to give each other a big send off when we dropped someone off, and similarly as we picked people up. We needed no encouragement.

I was absolutely amazed at the number of people who cam out so early to see me. Noisy, enthusiastic and clearly pleased to be part of the moment.

It was great to have tim before I set off to chat to people and let people get their photos with me and the Torch. We were under instructions not to let go of the Torch. By the time I set off I was actually cuddling it and kissing it like a new born baby.

Just before I set off I lifted The Torch as high as I could and took a moment to myself to think about those dear departed family and friends who could not be here today. Then it was off to tremendous cheers all the way along my stretch.

I was asked a couple of times to speed up "No thanks" I replied.

At the handover to Geraldine we did simultaneous star jumps after we had hugged each other.

And then onto the collection bus to follow the relay through to almost my road end to be taken back to the Town Hall. It was strange that as fast as the crowds had built, they had dispersed, each with their own special memory.

Family and friends had been advised to meet us back at the Town Hall but when we arrived no-one was there. Not a soul! Turned out when families had arrived there was nobody to welcome them so they just dispersed. I found my family nd friends easily enough in Costa Coffee.

Bing a celebrity is a strange experience and I'm not sure I'd get used to it full time. But I'm enjoying the moment and while people want a piece of me they are welcome. It will be short lived.

There may well be more to add as I reflect more. I'm off to the local Sports and Social Club this afternoon to let people see the Torch, but for now a sleep is in order.