Olympic Torch Relay: Ilminster torch bearer thanks crowds (From This is The West Country)

Olympic Torch Relay: Ilminster torch bearer thanks crowds

11:10am Thursday 31st May 2012 in Somerset

ONE of the official torchbearers who helped carry the Olympic Flame through Ilminster has thanked the hundreds of people who turned out to watch.

Sheran Taylor, 43, who lives near Honiton in Devon, began the relay in Station Road at just before 7am last Tuesday.

Sheran, one of five allfemale torchbearers in Ilminster, said: “I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the people of the town who came out, waved banners, smiled, cheered, supported and generally made my day!

“I really didn’t think that many people would be up at such an early time in the morning. I was amazed when not only a few people turned up but there were swarms of them of all ages having a lovely time lining the streets.”

Sheran added: “The atmosphere for the runners and afterwards on the bus was electric – we felt so welcomed and there may have been a few tears of appreciation and affection for you all from us grateful ladies.

“Ilminster people did us proud, while the Ilminster Lions looked after me first thing in the morning when I was all alone and very nervous!”

Sheran said she was disappointed the Torch did not come to her area in East Devon.

But she added: “I was thrilled that I was able to run – or walk as the case might have been – in the area closest to my home, your town of Ilminster. I now consider that I was very lucky indeed.”