Bognor residents helping make Paralympics a huge success

Margaret Murphy and Sue Eason are among the 70,000 volunteers who have helped to make the first week of the Games as big a success as the Olympics.

Margaret said her role meeting and greeting the hundreds of thousands visitors gave her the perfect chance to tell them to visit the town among other places in the UK.

“It is a privilege to be welcoming people and see first-hand how inspiring the Games can be to both those involved and those watching,” she said.

Sue is spending 21 days volunteering at the Olympics and Paralympics as a lifeguard in the Olympic Park’s aquatic centre.

She is well known for her dedication and enthusiasm as a swimming trainer.

Her first spell as a Games Maker enabled her to meet up with Team GB swimmer Gemma Spofforth whom she coached for national junior competitions about ten years ago.

“It was amazing to see Gemma at the Olympics and to get a hug from her when I saw her during the training,” she said.

“It was an unforgettable experience seeing so many world-class athletes training and competing and to be able to do this at both Games is so wonderful.”

Both Games Makers work for Arun District Council. Margaret develops tourism for the council. Sue has worked in its print room since 1989.

Fellow council employee and Arundel resident Simon Meecham has also been involved in the success of the Games.

Simon, the planning policy officer, was based in Hyde Park and The Mall for the London2012 triathlon and cycling events.