This is her nomination story and some pictures of the day.
Holly's nomination story
I want to nominate my daughter Holly. Holly didn't develop any speech or social skills as she was growing up and was finally diagnosed, at the age of five with pervasive developmental disorder (PPD) and semantic and pragmatic language disorder. She presented within the lowest 1% of scores in the numerous test the professionals did throughout these years. Holly attended a speech and language unit attached to a mainstream primary school providing intensive speech, language and social interaction therapy and has continued into mainstream secondary school. Now sixteen, Holly completed her English Language GCSE a year early and has sat (by the time you read this) a further seven GCSE predicted C or above. Although these may be considered 'average' marks Holly has spent eleven years pushing herself. Her effort is far from average. Eleven years completing therapy, programmes, etc bringing her to the point where she doesn't stand out from the crowd, she would describe herself as 'just normal'. I want her to stand out from the crowd. To feel rewarded for her effort in a way I could never provide, to shine for a day, with a torch in her hand lighting the way for others.
Just signed in
Torchbearers starting to gather for their run
Holly and Charlie at the torchbearers briefing
All the torches on the relay bus
Just about ready for the off
The torch relay bus full of torchbearers
Holly with her Grandad Andy
Holly with her Nana Sheila
Before her run, the crowds get to see and touch the torch
Photo's galore
The Olympic Flame is just about to arrive...
Holly, calm as a cucumber about 10 seconds before her 'moment to shine'
Setting up the torch 'kiss'
the official 'kiss' (flame handover)
instructions - I think he's saying take your time...
... and off she went.
This was Holly on the front page of the Northern Echo website
This is a wonderful photo, just fantastic!
Still running, I think she gave the out runners a good work out.
At the other end the official 'kiss' (flame handover) with Charlie.
Go Holly, still working the crowd.
All over, just about to get on the relay bus again
Back at base and a team shot.
Holly can spot a camera at 50 yards.
Her nomination can be viewed here... www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=holly-barry-1180/index.html
