31/05/12….Thame marathon runner to carry Paralympic torch

PATSY Baker from Thame has been selected by Sainsbury’s as just one out of 100 worthy nominees to take part in the 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay on August 28 and 29.

Patsy,from Coombe Hill Crescent, and joint manager of the Barns Centre, was chosen to carry the Paralympic flame after being nominated through a scheme held at her local Sainsbury’s store in Thame High Street.

Patsy’s nomination described her as actively working in developing a sense of community and citizenship both within the Thame community and wider afield – including undertaking charity-work in both India and Africa.

Patsy has also completed over 130 marathons, raising money for many good causes, particularly Anthony Nolan Bone marrow Trust for whom she successfully donated bone marrow to in 1997.

Her love of running has led her set up a running group in Thame to encourage young mums to get fit and socialise. This has helped them to feel less isolated, but also encouraged them to take part in 10k and half marathon runs.

Patsy was also involved in helping to establish street pastors in Thame, which reach out to those who may need help or feel vulnerable.

Patsy said: “I am so excited to have been chosen to carry the Paralympic Flame as I had no idea my husband had nominated me. I am really honoured to be taking part in a momentous occasion for both the United Kingdom and Thame and can’t wait to carry the Paralympic Flame.”

Once the Flame has been lit, it will be carried by Patsy and the other torch-bearers, on a very special 24 hour relay from Stoke Mandeville in Aylesbury, the spiritual home of the Paralympic Movement, to the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, where the Flame will be used to officially open the Paralympic Games.

To commemorate and celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime occasion, there will be a series of public events, called Flame Festivals, during the August Bank Holiday weekend, with activities and a live stage shows. By going along to a Flame Festival, people can help to light the way to the Paralympic Games with fun activities and a lantern procession.