LINTHWAITE woman Gaynor Bearder has worked tirelessly to raise money for a childrens heart unit which saved her sons life.
And now she could be rewarded after being given the chance to run with the London 2012 Olympic torch.
Members of the public are being encouraged to nominate the person they believe most deserves to carry the Olympic flame as it tours the UK.
Mrs Bearder has been one of the first to be picked out.
In 2007, Gaynor and Anthony Bearders son Joel was born with a heart defect and doctors gave him only a small chance of survival. But, he bravely battled his way through and celebrated his fourth birthday last weekend.
In the meantime, Gaynor, ably supported by her friends and family, has since raised s20,000 for the childrens heart unit in Leeds.
The unit has been threatened with closure, so Gaynor has lobbied MPs in Parliament and been on Question Time in addition to her sterling charity work.
The 37-year-old said: I absolutely love raising money to support the unit. I could not have done it all on my own though and I owe so much to my husband, friends and family who have been just as important to it as I have.
She was amazed when she was nominated for the award by her best friend and fellow charity fundraiser Sonia Bardell.
She said: I would be speechless if I got to carry the Torch and I cant say that very often.
The Olympics are going to be so special and they will do so much for this country.
The athletes are going to inspire so many people, children especially, to aspire to be more.
To nominate yourself or someone else to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer with Lloyds TSB, visit the website www.lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame. Nominations close on September 12.
