TONIA White hopes to take her mind off the worst day of her life by waving a flag at a road race.

She’s a starter at the Ilminster 10k on Sunday morning and will present the prizes afterwards.

Tonia, whose parents, Anthony and Pamela Adams, died in the M5 tragedy driving home to Newport after visiting their daughter and her family in Taunton, has been given the honour after carrying the Olympic Flame through Ilminster this summer.

She said: “I’m a bit apprehensive about how I’m going to be, so I’ve filled my day up, trying to bring some normality and balance to my life.”

Tonia has broken down in tears numerous times over the past year.

“It hasn’t got easier,” she said. “But you have to live with it and cope as best you can.

“You have to believe things will improve, but sometimes little things spark a reaction – a song, a photo or a programme like Dad’s Army – that remind me of my parents.

“They’re happy memories – I had a brilliant childhood, loved my parents to bits and know they loved me and my sisters.

“But they’re memories and my parents aren’t here now.

“Occasions like wedding anniversaries, birthdays and Christmas bring it back – Phil (her husband) and I have just celebrated our wedding anniversary without a card from my parents for the first time.”

Tonia regularly lays flowers on the bridge overlooking the accident scene.

“It’s where I feel close to mum and dad,” she said.

“Drivers often toot as they go under the bridge. It’s an acknowledgement they know why you’re there, which is comforting and makes me feel I’m not alone.

“The people of Taunton have been brilliant and strangers still stop me in the street.

“I’m grateful for the people who have organised the memorial at Hankridge, which will be a nice place to reflect.

“Without my family and friends I’d be in such a low place but they’ve helped me have a kind of normal life.”