Sue Colvill from Chadwell Heath is going to be one of the Olympic torch bearers. She used to be a competitive ice skater and now does a lot of running for charity

A former ice-skater and keen runner was ecstatic when she learned about her selection for the Olympic torch relay late last year.

Susie Colvill is one of the Barking and Dagenham people who will be running in areas such Bexley, Waltham Cross and Tower Hamlets and who have shared their pride and elation at the chance of becoming part of an historical occasion.

The self-confessed sports obsessive is a fitness instructor at Becontree Heath Leisure Centre, Dagenham, and mother of two sons.

She was born and raised in Chadwell Heath and used to be a competitive ice-skater before she started working as a fitness instructor.

The 47-year-old said: “I was so excited when I found out.

“I was dancing around and clapping my hands in joy.”

A hip replacement, which is due soon, is not deterring her from running the London Marathon next month, let alone the torch relay.

She said: “I’m overwhelmed by this opportunity.

“Sport is my life.

“Even this injury is not getting me down.”

Susie will be running in Tower Hamlets on July 21.

People who are assets to their communities will be part of the relay carrying the torch around the nation before it arrives in Stratford.