My Three Minutes of Fame

May D Kelman

2006

In the early morning of Thursday, 21st September 2006 just as I was drifting off into another dream, the alarm clock shrieked and I threw myself out of bed, excited but nervous. Today, I would be walking round Loch Muick with a number of people raising money for Osteoporosis. Today, Camilla, the Duchess of Rothsay would be leading us and I had been asked to present to her a posy of flowers.

Running upstairs two at a time to the bedroom I hauled open the drawer, which contains the T-shirts and there it was, the black one, with white bones painted on the front and back. I had worn it at the Great North Run in Newcastle, and the Cyprus Four Day Challenge the year before. Both races had been undertaken in extremely hot weather.

Today, it was royalty I would be meeting. Television cameras would be there. I was excited and could feel my heart thumping erratically. I took a deep breath and calmly picked up the phone and dialled my sister's telephone number. She is one of the reasons I go running and raise money. There is osteoporosis in our family.

Feeling nervous but excited, I looked out of the window. It was windy and the roads were wet. What do I say when I meet Camilla? Does one curtsy? I was beginning to wish I hadn't agreed to this. What if I drop the flowers?

The rain was light but it was cold when I arrived at the Loch Muick Car Park. Television cameras were erected. A tent was housing the volunteers from the Osteoporosis Charity. They were busy selling their logo t-shirts to the walkers. More and more cars with walkers arrived. The local Primary School children with their teachers arrived. The TV cameras were ready to roll. A microphone was thrust in front of me and I was asked for my opinion of working Royals. I mumbled something about it being positive action and good for morale. Finally we were herded along to the start line with six of us standing in front ready to be presented to Camilla. I was aware of gripping the posy of flowers hard as if I was attempting to strangle them, not present them. The green 'four-wheel drive' came into view and everyone stopped talking as Camilla got out, smiled and shook hands with Stephanie and other dignitaries.

The line up was introduced, one by one and then Camilla was standing in front of me. I shook her hand and curtsied. She asked me a question about my running and I answered that it was all about raising money for charity. She asked a few more questions then stepped back. I was still in 'shock' mode. Then I realised I still had the flowers in my hand. 'Oh! I've forgotten to give you the flowers.' I cried. She smiled and thanked me. My moment of glory was over. The television cameras were following her as she walked towards the children and chatted to them. They know her well. She was at ease with them as they were with her. Then, she led the walkers with the children in front. It had stopped raining and the air was filled with chatter and laughter as we started our ten-mile hike. One of the organisers came and asked if I would go to the front and talk to Camilla. She had asked for ME! I was struck dumb, but she had the ability to make you feel at ease and within minutes we were talking like old friends. We discussed members of our family having osteoporosis, smoking, and having children. We were two women having a chat like any other women,

She stayed at the front all the way round Loch Muick, talking to other walkers but she didn't stroll along; she marched. Thank goodness I was fit and kept up with her and a few of the male walkers, but it was hard work.

Finally the television cameras were in sight and a crowd had arrived to welcome us back. They applauded as we finished. The atmosphere filled with magic. I had a huge grin on my face. Camilla smiled as she wished me luck with the running. I like her. She doesn't deserve the bad publicity and derogatory remarks thrown at her by the Press, I thought, as I slowly walked back to the car.

I drove home tired, but elated. I had had more than my three minutes of fame!