THE Olympic torch is now heading to south London after passing though Waltham Forest and Redbridge last night and this morning.

Thousands of people from every community in and around the two boroughs lined the streets to cheer the torchbearers on, bringing a carnival atmosphere to the streets.

Many torchbearers had faced great adversity before the events of this weekend and, for some, carrying the flame was bittersweet.

Karen Boxall, from Buckhurst Hill, carried the torch in place of her daughter Grace, 14, who set up her own charity after being diagnosed with a brain tumour five years ago.

Grace was chosen because of her work raising thousands for good causes, but instead was in Great Ormond Street Hospital, which she has raised thousands for, after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Mrs Boxall said: “She’s just coming out of a coma now and we really wanted to do it for her.

“It’s a shame the condition she’s in, because she’s very poorly.

“It was obviously bittersweet for me, but everybody was very excited and the crowds were quite deep.

“I’m just on my way to Great Ormond Street Hospital and I’ve got the torch with me and the uniform to show her.

“She’s aware of what’s going on and she’s not talking, but she can squeeze my hand.”

Among other torchbearers were former postman and charity founder Frankie Charles, 48, who has suffered from cancer and carried the torch through Barkingside today (Sunday) and Fabrice Muamba, 24, whose heart stopped for nearly 80 minutes during a match earlier this year.

Mr Muamba carried the flame on the last leg of the tour in Walthamstow last night.

The torch will continue through London today, finishing up in Bexley, where the last torchbearer will be former world boxing champion Lenox Lewis.

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