Father to carry Olympic torch in London 2012 relay

A father who raises awareness for a severe epilepsy syndrome suffered by his three-year-old daughter will carry the Olympic torch.

Graham Dandy, of Winkfield, has been selected as a torchbearer for a 300-metre leg in Dunstable on July 9 in recognition of his efforts raising cash to supplement care for his little girl and awareness of the syndrome.

Graham, from Lovel Road, has taken part in gruelling fundraisers in aid of Neve who battles Dravet Syndrome, which sees her suffer 30-50 seizures a day.

He said to carry the Olympic torch is an 'amazing once in a lifetime opportunity'.

"It was completely out of the blue as all the nominations had been made and it is a huge honour - completely unexpected and I really can’t believe it," he said..

Dravet Syndrome is a rare form of epilepsy. It affects one in 40,000 and causes severe seizures that can strike any time and can last up to an hour-and-a-half.

The 38-year-old said his daughter, who is four on Sunday, May 20, continues to deal with lots of problems and has just been diagnosed with autism.

He said: "Neve is getting 30-50 seizures a day, which is proving very tough for her but has not been in hospital for a while, which is good."

Since September 2010 he has raised more than £15,000 to supplement her care. His efforts included taking part in a 111-mile canoe challenge and 300-mile cycle ride from Land's End to Windsor.

Visit www.stayclosetoneve.com for more.