By Margaret Crosby

Last updated at 12:11, Thursday, 12 April 2012

TOM Wright of Egremont has been selected as a torchbearer to carry the Olympic flame through Ambleside on June 21.

TOM Wright

The 15-year-old, who joined St Bees School last September, has been selected to take part in the torch relay event having been nominated in recognition of his dedication to raising money for the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research Charity and for his contribution to music.

Tom, formerly a pupil at West Lakes Academy, will be one of four runners at Ambleside, including Liam Jordan, 14, of Millom.

Members of St Bees School are planning to line the streets to cheer Tom on as he runs past.

He has previously participated in the BUPA Junior Great North Run three times. He has run for district and county and has encouraged his peer group to fundraise too, giving presentations about the work the charity does.

He plays for Cleator Moor Celtic Football Club and St Bees and Seascale Junior Golf Club and has turned out for Cleator Cricket Club and Cumberland Fellrunners. He also sings at local music festivals (a triple trophy winner at last year’s Whitehaven Music Festival) and participates in charity concerts.

To date he has raised just over £1,000, money which goes directly into researching blood cancers. He was recently awarded a Blue Peter badge for his efforts in this regard.

He didn’t think he would get through and be selected but now he feels honoured and very humble.

First published at 11:58, Thursday, 12 April 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk