Clackmannanshire's Torchbearers

Robbie Donaldson (28)

Robbie Donaldson from Keirhill Farm, Balfron, carried the Flame through Alloa.

Robbie has recently returned from a 6 month tour in Afghanistan with the 'The Highlander's' 4 SCOTS.

His hobbies revolve around sport and outdoor activities. He especially likes doing endurance events, mostly in the Highlands, both for fun and to raise money for charities.

He's a member on the Board of Trustees for the Dougie Dalzell Memorial Trust, set up in memory one of his good friends who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. He was at school, university and then joined the Army with Dougie. The charity raises money to help wounded soldiers be able to afford bespoke pieces of equipment or go on trips. So far the Trust has to raised over £250,000.

Josh Gavin (45)

Head coach at Alloa's Dojo, Josh Gavin carried the Olympic Torch in Cumbernauld.

Josh has been involved in martial arts since he was 8 years old and is a 6th Dan and was World Masters Champion in judo at the age of 35.

He founded the JSJ Judo Club 15 years ago and opened his martial arts academy in Alloa two years ago.

He coaches around 300 youngsters at his Alloa Dojo, some of whom are members of the British team. He was nominated to be a Torchbearer by the British Judo Association.

Josh was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour two years ago and underwent a nine hour operation to have it removed. He continues to undergo treatment, but can still be found at the Dojo most days and is determined to stay fit and healthy.

Josh is married to Anne Marie and they have three children Stacey (16), Shaun (12) and Josh (6).

Mitch Graham (19)

Mitch Graham from Sauchie carried the Torch in Stirling.

Mitch, who is 6'4", has taken a year out of playing basketball to study for his 'A' levels. He is a pupil at the Mary Hare Boarding School in Newbury.

Mitch, is the youngest of four children. His parents are Stephen and Christine Graham and he has a brother David (30) and sisters Ann-Louise (33) and Emma-Jayne (21).

Mitch is profoundly deaf, and has always had a great aptitude for sport. When he was younger his father took him along to Alloa Rugby Club, where he is one of the coaches. Mitch played rugby for a while, but preferred basketball.

Mitch was spotted by a scout from the Reading Rockets at school and he became a member of the under-16 team. The following year took a year out of the sport to study for his GCSEs.

He returned to the sport the following year at under-18 level and went along to the trials at the Peak Centre in Stirling and was selected for the Scotland Under-18 Basketball Team - an able-bodied team.

He was also selected for the GB Deaf Basketball Team and took part in the World Championships in Poland when he was 17.

He has again taken a year out of the sport to concentrate on his A Levels and will leave school in June, when he hopes to find a job in engineering.

He was selected to carry the Olympic Torch after being nominated by his brother David.

Lesley Finn (36)

Lesley Finn from Houston, Renfrewshire carried the Flame through Alloa on 13th June.

Lesley was nominated to be a Torchbearer by her friend, Joanne Stewart, because of her extensive successful fundraising activities.

Lesley's fundraising began when her daughter, Megan, now aged eight, was diagnosed with a renal tumour at the age of three. The tumour is now in remission, although Megan still undergoes regular check-ups.

This sparked a fundraising campaign by Lesley and her husband Martin (37). Between them in the past five years they have raised £27,000, the money split between the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill) and CLIC Sargent.
They have held various fundraising events and taken part in last year's 10k Scottish Run, with several more runs lined up between May and September this year.

As well as Megan, the couple have two other daughters, Alex (10) and Jessica, aged 5.

Gerry Malone (48)

Gerry Malone from Coatbridge carried the Flame through Alloa.

Gerry was nominated by his wife because of the fantastic work he has done raising money for meningitis charities after the couple lost their son at the age of 2 to the disease.

Over the years he has raised £20,000 for the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill), through fundraising events and running the New York Marathon, twice, and marathons in London, Dublin and Glasgow.

He is married with three children and the couple have 4 grandchildren.

Dave Richards (49)

Dave Richards, who works in the IT service at Clackmannanshire Council, carried the Torch in Brechin.

He was nominated by his daughter Rebecca for the coaching, motivation and encouragement he gives to others.

Dave, who lives in Stirling, has worked with the Council for 19 years.

He began participating in triathlons eight years ago, becoming a member of Stirling Triathlon Club. He now coaches youngsters in swimming at the club.

Last year he took part in 2 Ironman distance events in Austria and Henley and this year he plans to participate in half Ironman challenges in Barcelona and Alp D'huez, France.

His next big ambition is to represent GB at a European or World triathlon event.

Rebecca Watson (12)

Rebecca Watson from Forestmill will be carried the Torch in Dundee.

An S1 pupil at Lornshill Academy, she was selected via the Get Set Network in recognition of her extensive volunteering which began at Clackmannan Primary School, and something she has taken on into her secondary school life.

She coaches the pre-school tennis club weekly, teaching eight 3-6 year olds. She is also a member of the 3rd Alloa Rainbows, where she also helps out on their weekly meetings and classes.

She has two sisters Emma aged 9, and Rhona, aged 6. Her parents are James and Denise.

As well as coaching tennis, Rebecca's other hobbies include dancing, athletics, swimming and the Girl Guides.