The teenage son of inspirational charity fundraiser Jane Tomlinson is among those given the honour of carrying the Olympic torch when it comes to Leeds this summer.
Jane, who lost her battle against cancer in 2007, carried the torch ahead of the 2004 games in Athens.
And her 14-year-old son, Steven, has spoken of his excitement at following in his mum’s footsteps as the London Olympic organisers today revealed details of the Leeds route and announced the names of the torchbearers.
Steven, who completed his own challenge in 2010 by taking part in the 2500-mile Istanbul to Leeds bike ride to raise money for the appeal established in his mum’s name, said: “I’m really excited about being nominated as a torchbearer, it’s a great opportunity to be part of the Olympics. I will be doing it on behalf of my sisters and my mum. It should be a great experience.”
Another chosen is Aidan Dixon, nominated after turning a troubled early life around.
From volunteering as a senior member of Windmill Youth Club in Rothwell, the 18-year-old from Oulton has gone on to secure a job as a behaviour support worker at his former school, Royds.
He said: “I am really excited and proud to be given this opportunity. I hope it helps other young people who may be having problems to realise that they can turn their lives around and ac Marshhieve their goals.”
Steven and Aidan are two of the 8,000 torchbearers who will carry the flame on its 70-day 8,000-mile journey around the UK between May 19 and its arrival Olympic Stadium on July 27.
Leeds is the only city outside London to host the Olympic Torch on three separate days, being carried for a total distance of about 17 miles in June
It first arrives on June 19 when it comes through Boston Spa, Wetherby and Harewood before a lunchtime event at Harewood House.
It then leaves the city before returning late in the afternoon on June 24 travelling through Headingley, Potternewton, Harehills and Richmond Hill.
Early the next morning the flame’s journey resumes from Leeds Town Hall and travels through the city centre before heading to the Royal Armouries.
Then it goes over Leeds Bridge to Hunslet, is taken on a lap of the John Charles Centre for Sport’s running track, goes through Beeston and passes Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium before heading through Morley and out of the city.
The Olympic Flame will be travelling through Wakefield, Castleford, Pontefract and Ackworth on the morning of June 25. World B2 Blind Golf Champion Andy Sellars has ben chosen to carry the flame through Ackworth Moor Top.
Andy, 40, who was NPower Disabled Sportsman of the year in 2006 & 2009, not only plays but raises funds to help continue the efforts of the English and Wales Blind Golf Association.
He said: “There is no greater honour for me than carrying the Olympic torch through the district in which I live, celebrating with my friends, family and the local community.
“I haven’t let losing my sight hold me back from doing the things I want to achieve in life, and taking part in the Olympic Torch Relay is one of them. I want the torch to be a symbol to encourage other people with disabilities to take risks and never give up on what they want to achieve.”
Full details of the route the torch will take can be seen at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay.
Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Games organising committee, said: “Now people know the route the Olympic Flame will be carried along and the torchbearers for their community, they can start planning how they might celebrate and make it Leeds’s moment to shine.”
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