THE daughter of an Olympic silver medallist has spoken of her delight at being able to play her own role in the London 2012 Games.

Sarah Heatley braved darkness and driving rain at the weekend to take part in the Endurancelife Real Relay.

The event, which started last month, will see hundreds of runners each complete a 10-mile leg of the Olympic Torch Relay route in one continuous journey.

Each participant is asked to pledge a £10 donation to CHICKS – a charity providing week-long respite breaks for disadvantaged children from across the UK – and it is hoped the relay will reach London in time for the start of the opening ceremony.

Ms Heatley set off from Droitwich at about 10.20pm on Saturday in torrential rain, escorted by her boyfriend Paul Webb on his motorbike. They arrived at the Red Lion in Powick, near Worcester, in time for members of the Malvern Joggers to take on the next leg at 12.30am on Sunday.

Ms Heatley, whose father Basil won a silver medal in the marathon at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and held a world record in the discipline, said it was a “surreal” experience.

The 48-year-old from Bransford said: “The manager of the Red Lion stayed open an extra hour for us and gave us some towels. It was amazing to think that the baton I was carrying had already covered about 630 miles.

“I did leg 64 and dad’s Olympics were in 1964. It does feel very special to know that my dad was not only selected, but came home with a silver medal.

“For me to have the opportunity to be involved in some small way is wonderful.”

To take part in the Endurancelife Real Relay, visit endurancelife.com/realrelay.