Couple Jane and Frank Allen got into training on the decks of the MS Balmoral after finding out they had been selected as Olympic torchbearers.
The couple were both chosen for the honour for different reasons and will take part in the torch relay as it travels through Torbay on May 20.
Jane and Frank, of Ashburton, began their training as they took part in a recreation of the Titanic journey on MS Balmoral in April.
They were on board the ship as a tribute to Jane’s great uncle, who died in the disaster 100 years ago.
Jane was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch on a leg of its journey as recognition of her 30 years of service with the Royal Navy Reserves. She has served in Iraq for this role, while holding down a job at the same time.
Frank, a former Royal Marine, was chosen because of the help he offers to a friend who suffers from Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons diseases.
Jane said: “I’m just so chuffed to be carrying the torch. I know it will involve lots of people up and down the country, but it’s such a great honour to be part of it.”
She said they walked for five kilometres every day during their voyage on MS Balmoral, even in gale force winds, to make sure they were fit enough for the event.
Frank said: “There are 8,000 torch bearers, and there may well be other married couples who are both taking part, but we don’t know of any.”