This summer, inspirational people will carry the 2012 Olympic Flame as it journeys across the UK, but for Marc’s Granddad, John Bickers (aged 85 yrs.), it will be the second time he has had the honour.

When the Olympic Games came to London in 1948, the event was visiting a city still suffering from the ravages of World War 11. Rationing remained in force and many people had been left homeless, yet the bomb-cratered city rose to the challenge of hosting the World’s greatest sporting occasion. Known as the ‘Austerity Olympics’, this was John’s first experience of carrying the flame.

John was serving in the Army (Royal Engineers) and was a member of his Unit’s Athletics team. Taking part in the then Southern Command Area Championships, John finished as runner-up in the 3 mile race (now more popularly referred to as the 5000m.) It was as a result of this race that John and his fellow athlete Don Wilde (Captain of the unit’s Athletics team) were invited by the 1948 London Olympic committee to participate in the Torch relay.

John took over the Flame from Don Wilde, in the rural village of Charlton. Running for 2 miles along the A30, his run concluded in Shaftesbury, where he passed on the flame to continue its journey to Torquay.

Following the successful Olympic 2012 bid, London 2012 announced that 8000 Torchbearers would be selected to carry the Flame on its journey round the UK. With an average of 11 nominations for every Torchbearer place, the chances of  John carrying the flame at all, let alone for a second time, must be huge, but something Marc is very proud of !!.

We wish John the very best of luck in the latest leg of his Olympic journey!