Moira's big day carrying Olympic torch in Herefordshire (From Hereford Times)

Moira's big day carrying Olympic torch in Herefordshire

6:20am Friday 8th June 2012 in Letters

I WRITE with reference to your article (Hereford Times, May 24) to point out that Remap was not ‘tasked’ with making a device to help Moira Starkey carry the Olympic Torch on her Zimmer frame.

Eighty-five year old Moira was nominated by Hereford breast cancer support centre The Haven to carry the flame because of her tireless fundraising on behalf of our charity.

Moira had recently completed a fund-raising marathon over three months, walking around Storridge Village Hall.

Moira has had two knee replacement operations and as a result, is unable to walk without the assistance of two sticks.

Moira was was reluctant to cover the 300m distance in a wheelchair and asked if there was a device available that would enable her to keep both hands free for her sticks.

The Haven’s community fundraiser contacted Remap to ask if it knew of any existing devices which would fit the bill, but all aids for carrying the torch are required to be approved by the organising committee of the London Olympic Games.

Moira eventually decided to use a wheelchair for the 300m, so she could fully enjoy the experience.

FRANKIE DEVEREUX, Manager, The Haven, St Owen Street, Hereford.