THESE two lucky midwives had the eyes of the world on them when they performed in the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games.
Lesley Sheehan, a 41-year-old mother-of-two, from Beggarwood and Olivia Harty, 22, from Popley are trainee midwives, working at Basingstoke hospital in Aldermaston Road and studying at Bournemouth University.
The two friends auditioned last November to dance in the ceremony, and in January discovered they were successful and would feature in a performance with hundreds of other NHS staff.
Danny Boyle, artistic director, said before the show that he wanted to celebrate everything that is “unique and special” about Britain, including the National Health Service.
The section saw dancing doctors and nurses tending to children in hospital beds.
Lesley and Olivia were watched by 80,000 spectators in the Stadium, and an estimated one billion TV viewers across the world.
They took part in 26 rehearsals in the lead up to the big day.
Lesley said: “It was a great experience and a night we will never forget.”
Tomorrow’s Gazette includes stories from other local people who were involved in the Opening Ceremony last Friday.
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