TEENAGE torchbearer Harry Crowther summed up the carnival atmosphere in Wakefield as he described his Olympic torch relay stint as “phenomenal.”
Thousands lined the streets of Wakefield and the Five Towns area to witness the unique spectacle.
Among torchbearers was 13-year-old Harry Crowther of Mirfield, who is battling the effects effects of an ultra-rare fast ageing condition.
Harry, who is the only sufferer in the world of a rare genetic form of Atypical Progeria Syndrome, sprinted through his relay stint to rapturous applause from crowds packed on to pavements.
He said: “It was phenomenal. The feeling was outstanding. You have no idea who the people are, but you know they are your friends.”
The torch travelled through Wakefield city centre before ending up at the Hepworth Gallerty on the banks of the River Calder.
It then moved swiftly on to Castleford, Pontefract and Ackworth.
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Wakefield Council leader Peter Box said: “The people of Wakefield have really taken the Olympics to their hearts. There’s a real sense of excitement right across Wakefield and I’m sure it will be the same in Pontefract and Castleford.”
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