Published at 11:09, Thursday, 28 June 2012

SIR – I would just like to say a HUGE thank you to all the people of Whitehaven for the warm welcome you gave my son James Simpson and his family when he ran with the Olympic torch last Thursday through Whitehaven.

James Simpson was the first of the Olympic torchbearers last Thursday

James has severe learning disability and is not from Whitehaven and we did not know the town well – unfortunately he could not attend the civic reception the week before as he was away in Sweden competing with Team GB at the INAS-FID European Athletics Championships in which he brought home two medals – silver for the 4x100m men’s relay and bronze for the 4x400m men’s relay.

I nominated James to carry the torch as his ambition was to compete in the Paralympics 2012 but severe learning disability has only just been included back into the Paralympics as a category but they are only able to compete in five events. James's event are not in the inclusion, therefore his dream was shattered, so carrying the torch has made up for this.

We travelled from Ulverston on the morning of June 21 to Whitehaven and from the moment we arrived at the Civic Hall James and us, his family, were made so welcome. The mayor and his colleagues greeted us, the staff on the reception at the Civic Hall were so helpful to ensure we knew where we would get a good view of him carrying the torch and giving us a map, to all the people lining the street that cheered him on.

I must say a very big thank you to the two ladies who were stood by me on the corner opposite the North bar who supported me as I became an emotional wreck as I saw my son come down the hill and pass the flame to Gary McKee.

It is a day that will hold special memories.

I would also like to thank the other torchbearers that day as James told how supportive they were to him.

James enjoyed his moment to shine – he has always liked being a celebrity!! I felt I had to write to the people of Whitehaven and say this thank you, you are truly wonderful people and we are going to visit again as your town is lovely.

Nicky SIMPSON

Mother to James Simpson, Torchbearer Whitehaven

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk