Five rehabilitation science students from the University of Brighton's School of Health Professions took part in the NHS sequence of the London 2012 Opening Ceremony.
The five auditioned in November 2011 following an announcement made by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists asking for NHS volunteers for the Olympic Opening Ceremony. In January they were collectively informed of their success in the auditions and that they would be in the cast of 800 NHS volunteers, performing to an estimated audience of four billion people worldwide on opening night.
After 24 rehearsals ranging from 3hrs to 14hrs at locations varying from Bromley By Bow studios, Dagenham and the Olympic Park, the ultimate day arrived on 27 July – "Show Day".
Rory Mee said: "We were all exceptionally happy with the end result and the response the opening ceremony has received from friends, family and the media, making our time and dedication to the event worthwhile.
"We would also like to say a huge thank you to the School of Health Professions at the university whose support and understanding over the past few months has made this journey possible."
Left to right: Rory Mee, Sam Bourgein, Cathal Smyth James Whatley. Front: Lowri Seager
Sam Bourgein added: "What I loved was that there were good dancers and not-so-good dancers, and people of all ages. We all helped each other to learn the steps and the timings, and cheered each other up when we were tired after a 10-hour rehearsal. There were so many different people; I was dancing next to a woman called Margaret in her seventies and an Australian guy who was 24.
"We were all having the times of our lives. When we came out of the stadium afterwards there were people cheering and waving and wanting to take our pictures; I felt like a celebrity!
"I think it was absolutely brilliant that Danny Boyle had the NHS involved. I don’t see it as political – the NHS is one of the things that makes us British and makes me very proud. I think the whole show was about what it means to be British in the modern world."
