Keith Simmons MBE, the previous Managing Director of Bournecoast, was nominated by his son Des Simmons, the current Managing Director of Bournecoast, and has received a conditional offer to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer. He was selected from tens of thousands of exceptional nominations by the 2012 Olympic Committee who now has to take a few important final steps before contacting the nominees to advise what they have to do. March next year is when the final names will be confirmed of those who will have their moment to shine carrying the Olympic Flame. Des said; “We are all so proud of Dad and his achievements and we can honestly say he is truly inspirational to us. This is not only based on his success as a business man, whilst coping with the day-to-day struggles of being hard of hearing, but also with his work on renovating the Bournemouth Deaf Centre and caring for others. His hard work helped the local deaf community so much that it resulted in Dad being recognised as the Volunteer of the Year by the Mayor of Bournemouth in May 1996 and he was awarded an MBE in the 2000 New Years Honours list by the Queen. This was at the same time he made Bournecoast, the family business, such a local success ready to pass on to us, his three children. We are so thankful for all the hard work he put in during his 26 years of running the company and the legacy he has left us. He added, “Having now retired, Dad is sorely missed by us all at the company and the staff comment about the void he has left behind. It is his smile and sense of humour that makes him such a genuine and loved person by anyone he meets. We aim to continue his philosophy that being a good person and looking after people is the most important aspect of having a good life.” Bournecoast are the area’s leading Buy to Let specialists and recognise what makes a good investment when buying a property to rent out, be that for long or short term. Their friendly team can be contacted on 01202 437888 or visit http://www.bournecoast.co.uk