A WOMAN who has raised thousands of pounds for charity over the past 20 years will get her moment to shine by carrying the Paralympic torch.

Terri Bush, 44, has been selected as one of the 580 Paralympic torchbearers carrying it from Stoke Mandeville to the Olympic Park in London.

She was nominated for the honour after single-handedly raising more than £75,000 for the Royal National Institute of Blind People over the past 20 years.

Terri, of Bowers Road, Benfleet , first discovered her passion for fundraising after organising a charity fun day at work 20 years ago.

Since then, she has dedicated her time to organising raffles and jumble sales while raising her two daughters Jessica, 20, and Emily, 17.

She said: “I could not believe it when I found out I would actually be carrying the torch, because it is such a big honour. I am really excited about it, but I am also nervous because I am worried I might drop it!”

Inspired by her husband’s stamp collecting hobby, Terri started selling used stamps to collectors across the country 19 years ago.

Her brainchild has now reached international proportions as she regularly sells used stamps across the world.

Last year she raised £12,000 alone from selling used stamps and she hopes to smash her target this year by collecting £15,000.

She added: “I never thought I would raise as much money as I have.

“I wanted to do something I enjoy as well as helping people, so this has been perfect.

“The thought of losing my sight, or never seeing my two girls grow up is just devastating to think about.

“I have learnt to really appreciate my sight through this.”

Haidee Roberts, who works for the RNIB and nominated Terri, said: “Terri doesn’t just deserve this opportunity, she deserves huge thanks for the thousands of blind and partially sighted people she has helped. She is an inspiration to us all.”

Terri will be carrying the torch in Lewisham, on August 28, in the run- up to the start of the Paralympic Games on August 29.