Neyland Yacht Haven Marina bertholder Eric Mathias carries the Olympic Flame
On the 27th May 2012, we were proud to witness our
bertholder Eric Mathias carry the Olympic Torch through
Haverfordwest, on day 9 of the 2012 Summer Olympics Torch
Relay.
Running from 19 May - 27 July 2012, with about 8,000 people
carrying the torch a total distance of about 8,000 miles (12,800
km), the Torch Relay is as a chance for local heroes to run with
the flame through their own communities.
Nominated by one of his daughters, this was Eric Mathias's
moment to shine and here is his story told through the words of his
daughter:
"Throughout his life my dad, Eric, has devoted his time to his
three daughters. Now we have all grown up and left home, he has had
time to pursue other interests, such as fishing and running. He had
run a couple of half marathons before being diagnosed with prostate
cancer five years ago. This prevented him from continuing with his
running and, meant that he had to endure gruelling Radiotherapy
treatment. However, he maintains a positive outlook and is
determined to regain his fitness; his ambition is to complete a
full marathon. Last year, he had signed up for the Dawn Walk in aid
of Macmillan Cancer Care. On the day he was too ill to take part
and so completed the walk, on his own, a week later. He always has
time to help others. For 14 years he volunteered as first aider for
a local youth rugby team. My son does not have a father in his
life; my dad takes a particular interest in everything he does,
supporting him with his sporting activities and schoolwork, fishing
trips and days out. He recently supported two colleagues who walked
the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to raise money for Scope, being their
support driver, collecting them at 5am each day, giving
encouragement and providing first aid support, not expecting any
recognition. He is very supportive of family and friends and is
always the first to offer help. He retired in April this year and
for him to know that he will be carrying the Olympic Torch next
year would give him something really fantastic to look forward
to."
