It began as a small advertisement in a tabloid Sunday newspaper.

The grandparents of Jessica Ennis, (now Jessica Ennis-Hill) were offering their tickets to the Olympics in Beijing at half price. Jessica was unable to compete as she had broken her ankle and the family no longer wished to travel. They included air fares, two weeks accommodation, tickets to events and excursions and there was a telephone number.

Was it a hoax/a scam? I was 77 years old and the advice from family, and friends was “don't risk it, you're too old”; but I did!

I telephoned and spoke to Jessica's grandfather Mr Rod Powell. He and Margaret, his wife, had supported and encouraged Jessica throughout her career and I had followed her progress since she was a junior, and two tickets were mine!

A friend and I had two fantastic weeks in Beijing, marvelling at the wonders in the Olympic Stadium and the athletics in the Bird's Nest Stadium. The Chinese people were gracious and helpful. Afterwards I wrote an article for a local magazine and sent a copy to Mr. and Mrs. Powell, and so began a friendship that has lasted decades.

I was kept in touch regarding Jessica's recovery from her accident and her progress in the heptathlon, culminating in her winning the World Championships in Berlin 2010. I was sent the projected times for her to win gold at the London Olympics and was determined to be there but couldn't get any tickets despite trying every available source.

Then a friend suggested trying to obtain tickets from another country e.g. France as they had lost out to us to stage this Olympics. BINGO! I was able to get tickets for every heptathlon event and the opening and closing ceremonies. Not only that, but I met up with Rod and Margaret Powell, and other members of Jessica's family, on that very memorable day now known as 'Super Saturday ' when we won three gold medals. Jessica won the heptathlon; Greg Rutherford won the long jump, and Mo Farah won the 10,000 metres.

I shall never forget the Olympic Stadium flashing red, white and blue and the crowd not wanting to disperse, as if they knew they would never see the like again. I am still in touch with the Powells, but age and mobility issues, (I am now 88 years old) mean I am now restricted to TV sport. However, I will look forward to listening to Jessica commentating on the 2024 Olympics in Paris, and remembering that ‘Golden Summer of 2012’ in London.

Barbara Meade

(Certificate in Education, 1960)