An 83-year-old grandmother who has run 20 marathons for charity was not selected to be a Olympic torchbearer - despite raising thousands for charity.
Doreen Offredi and four fellow members of the Windmilers jogging club in Wimbledon were nominated but all were passed over in favour of people from as far away as Rio De Janeiro and the US.
In fact, not one torchbearer selected to run through Merton on July 23 is from the borough.
Mrs Offredi, a former nurse at St George’s Hospital who also belly dances, has been a member of the club for the last 22 years and has raised thousands for charity having run 20 marathons and will be taking part in the Great North Run in September raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
She said: "I was a bit disappointed.
"I think everybody who was nominated was. It’s just one of those things but it would have been nice."
Dianne Norton, 71, who founded the Windmiler’s jogging club nearly 30 years ago with four friends, was also nominated.
The club now boasts nearly 500 members.
She said: "I really felt that at least one of us would be selected.
"I just assumed that local people would be chosen but obviously they weren’t.
"It seems logical that a representative of such a big club like the Windmilers would be chosen.
"I was very surprised to hear that no one from Merton was running - I think it’s a great shame."
Speaking of Mrs Offredy she said: "She’s just an amazing woman."
Alan Greene, 66, a coach and member of the club was also nominated.
He said: "I wouldn’t have been running for me personally, but for the members.
"I was going to put a t-shirt on with the names of the five people who started the club - two of them have died now.
"There are people in the club who have said it's changed their lives.
"Suddenly they meet lots of people and your family is a lot bigger."
Others who have been snubbed include Frank Keay, 50, a driver at the Wimbledon Guild who has dedicated 20 years service to helping the elderly and disabled.
Former Olympic champion Ray Stevens, although selected, has been told to run in Maidstone, Kent .
And Haydon the Womble will be running outside of the borough in Sutton .
Were you nominated to be a torchbearer? Call 020 8722 6336, tweet us @ wimbledonnews or email the us at newsdesk@wimbledonguardian.co.uk.
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