Sarah's story: Olympic torch bearer and young carer

The journey that I’ve been through as a carer has taken me to many places, but I never thought it would take me to being an Olympic Torch bearer.

Late last year, ITV News came into my college, along with my old tutor and my parents, to surprise me with the news I was going to be a torch bearer. I’m not usually that emotional, but I cried so much - out of shock more than anything!

The build-up to the torch bearing was very long, with months of finding out little bits of information about whether the security had gone through, where I would be running, what time I would be running…

Eventually I was ready to do my run in Shrewsbury on 30 May. I was nearly sick with fear the night before - cameras, family, strangers, everyone would be there and the world was watching. ARRRGGHHHH!

But when the day came the atmosphere was electric. I knew everyone I loved was waiting for me and on the coach I could not wipe the grin off my face (and neither could the other torchbearers)! No words can describe how it felt to be a part of it, and I’ll never forget it. Everybody was happy, and there were positive, friendly faces all around us.

I wore orange trainers, as I wanted to draw as much attention to the MS Society as possible, and lots of people commented on my unusual choice. I also had my friends and family wearing orange, and red for the British Red Cross, and couldn’t believe how eager everybody was to join in.

I hope that I drew attention to the young carers and carers out there, even if only for a short time, and also showed them that life brings unexpected opportunities.