London Olympics: Coca-Cola mum: Marilyn Stokes

Hi, my name is Marilyn Stokes and I live in Brockley, southeast London. I am a mother of four and my Future Flame is my youngest child, Durone – we call him “D”.

Durone is 17, passionate about performing and currently attends The BRIT School of Performing Arts.

We are so excited about the Olympic Games coming to London. Over the years, my husband and I have always tuned into the Games on TV. We’re not particularly sporty but have always loved the atmosphere the Games generate. We watched in anticipation when they announced where the Games would be held in 2012, and jumped for joy when they said “London”. Don’t ask me why we were jumping for joy, we just were. I suppose the idea of having the Games in our city, so close, was a triumph in itself.

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London is a city that never sleeps, and the London 2012 Olympic Games are providing the opportunity for people to enjoy this wonderful place. This is especially important for young people and communities who, over the years, have become despondent: the Games are providing people with the opportunity to get involved as London Ambassadors, performers for the Opening and Closing ceremonies, Games Makers and in a wide range of job opportunities. Last but by no means least, they’re recognising the many people who – through their hard work, selflessness, and commitment to making changes – have been nominated to carry the Flame as part of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

As a family, we were overjoyed when we found out that Durone would be an official London 2012 Torchbearer as part of Coca?Cola’s Future Flames campaign. We’ve experienced a lot of personal trauma within our family over the last few years, and through it all we remained determined that we would not allow the loss of our loved one destroy our zest for life. Durone is reaping the rewards for the resilience and tenacity he has demonstrated during his period of bereavement and loss.

Durone loves to dance, sing and act. He feels passionate about sharing this with others. He will tell you that at some of his darkest times, music has been his saviour. While receiving bereavement counselling, he was fortunate enough to meet a music therapist who helped him to channel his emotions into music. Together they wrote a song and composed music.

Durone has since gone on to share this technique with others who, for whatever reasons, are unable to express their feelings. Through his school, Durone had the opportunity to work with patients at St Christopher’s Hospice. There, he met and worked with patients to create a song and subsequently recorded an album to give to the patients, enabling them to leave their mark and express themselves in that moment of time.

Durone is committed to embracing his local community and inspiring young people. He has returned to his primary school and formed a Year 6 choir, who he trains and conducts, and has remained in contact with his secondary school, assisting with dance in GCSE Physical Education.

Being a Future Flame has enabled Durone to demonstrate to other young people that hard work does not go unnoticed and dreams can be achieved. I know that when I see Durone carrying the Olympic Flame for London 2012 I will feel proud – and emotional that his eldest brother is unable to be with us to share this special moment, especially because he had been such an influential person in Durone’s early life. The whole family will be there to cheer him on: his nan, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends and neighbours, as well as people from his primary, secondary and performing arts schools.

We will be celebrating with a Games-themed barbecue and party to get everyone in the spirit for the London 2012 Olympic Games. I’m looking forward to all the local celebrations and I think they will bring everyone together.

What a buzz!

Article from www.coca-cola.co.uk