Volunteers doing their bit at Paralympics Games Makers

Karen Burke and Geoff Robinson are just two of the thousands of people who have signed up to be Paralympics Games Makers.

They went down to London yesterday to take part in what is an historic event.

Mrs Burke, 54, will be working as a driver, taking athletes and VIPs between their accommodation and the games venues.

She said: “For me it’s enough of a great honour to be involved in whatever part of it I could.

“I’d have done anything, from litter-picking to whatever else they might have wanted, just be part of it.

“Even though the shifts are quite long I’m happy to do whatever they require.”

Mr Robinson, 71, will be working on the security team at the Olympic village.

“It’s the chance of a lifetime,” he said.

“I vaguely remember the 1948 London Olympics and I feel quite honoured that I have been selected out of all those people who applied.”

Both Mr Robinson and Mrs Burke put their names forward to work at the Olympics or Paralympics in 2010 and after interviews both were offered roles in March this year.

They have made several trips to London for training and will be staying with relatives during the games.

Mrs Burke, of Slipper Lane, Mirfield, has enormous experience of working with people with disabilities, as deputy head of residential services at Hollybank Trust.

Mr Robinson, of Queen Street, Mirfield, works at Sainsbury’s in Dewsbury and was looking forward to sharing his experiences with his grandchildren.

Today the Paralympic flame will be arriving in Kirklees when it will be received by former Paralympian and Hollybank ambassador Paul Cartwright.

The flame is due to arrive at the Leeds Road Sports Complex in Huddersfield at around 3pm.