Marlow mum meets Drogba as she carries Olympic flame (From Bucks Free Press)

Marlow mum meets Didier Drogba as she carries Olympic flame

3:12pm Thursday 24th May 2012 in Latest News By James Nadal

A MUM from Marlow was mobbed like a sporting hero in the streets as she proudly carried the Olympic flame.

Determined cancer combating fundraiser Jane Daly, 45, yesterday took the torch through Swindon – on the same leg of the journey as footballer Didier Drogba.

There has been controversy that the torch is not coming through Marlow – the home of Sir Steve Redgrave, the UK's greatest Olympian.

The Gossmore Walk resident said she understood why campaigners had felt so strongly about it and spoke of her pride in representing Marlow for the relay.

Mrs Daly was selected to bear the torch because of her epic fundraising for Ovarian Cancer Action.

She has been pivotal in raising £250,000 for the charity in two years, through a campaign with her employer Marks and Spencer, who nominated her for the role.

Mrs Daly's mother, Joyce, died about ten years ago of the disease, which she described as a “terrible silent killer”.

Mrs Daly said: “When they lit my torch I really did think about my mum.

"She was so patriotic, she absolutely loved things like this and would've loved the jubilee.

“She would have been so proud that we were having such an amazing day, not just me but all the family.”

Mother-of-three Mrs Daly said: “I was mobbed when I got off the bus, people wanted a picture of me and the torch.

“It was even better than I thought it was going to be. The whole day has been fantastic, it's amazing how the local community with great British spirit came out and filled the streets.

“I feel privileged to have been part of it.”

She met Champions League winner Drogba, fresh from victory with the Chelsea team.

She said: “He was really good fun, he got involved with people and was on great form.”

He signed an autograph for her sons, Robert, James and Ben, all of whom attend Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.

The flame may not officially be travelling through Marlow – but a torch will be coming to the town, with Mrs Daly now the proud owner of her own.