By Julie Morgan

Published at 11:07, Thursday, 14 June 2012

LOCAL torch bearers are gearing up to take part in the prestigious Olympic relay currently making its way around Britain.

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Whitehaven is the only place in Copeland to play host to the procession which will arrive at the Pelican Garage just after 3pm next Thursday.

One of the torchbearers is Dr Karen Greene, who works in anaesthesia, emergency medicine and education at West Cumberland Hospital.

She was nominated following her volunteer work with LAMB Hospital in northwest Bangladesh, where she is part of a team which raises funds for medical equipment which she takes out to the 150-bed facility.

She also offers help with any teaching the Bangladeshi staff may request.

Karen, who suffered a serious illness five years ago, is also treasurer for the St Bees group of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. She has also been a member of Wasdale Mountain Rescue for 20 years.

She said: “I was flattered and overwhelmed to be chosen. I like to be involved in things but I don’t like the limelight!’’

Karen, who will be in the torch procession at Maryport, is to be supported by her family, including her brother and parents, who will be travelling specially to Cumbria to cheer her on.

People are invited to line the streets to see the torch pass.

Suggested places are along New Road on the pavement side, along Lowther Street, and the harbourside.

Ahead of the Olympic convoy’s arrival there will be children’s sports and demonstrations at Castle Park and the Sports Centre. Children will also be making flags and bunting to decorate the route.

There will also be street theatre outside the Civic Hall and at Lloyds TSB (at about 2.30pm).

Torch bearers running in Whitehaven are:

GARY McKEE, of Cleator Moor, has raised £85,000 for Macmillan Cancer Research by undertaking a variety of challenges and raising sponsorship.

JOCELYN LACE, 61, of Egremont Road, Whitehaven, is the backbone of Workington Amateur Swimming Club and ensures young swimmers have the chance to achieve their potential.

SHAMEEM ARNOLD, of Egremont, is dedicated to making people happier and fitter through dance. She is keen to make exercise accessible for everyone by using simple and fun dance routines.

JAMES SIMPSON, of Ulverston.

Copeland torch bearers running across West Cumbria are:

DARREN BLANKS, 25, of The Limes, Orgill, survived two tours of Iraq before undergoing surgery to remove the tumour which resulted in him losing the hearing in his left ear and left a small crack in his skull.

He will be carrying the torch through Flimby.

JOS NAYLOR, 76, of Wasdale, is a fell legend who has raised money for charity as well as completing many running feats.

When he was 50, he completed all 214 Wainwrights in just seven days. He will be running the procession in Flimby.

TOM WRIGHT, 15, a St Bees schoolboy from Egremont, who was nominated in recognition of his dedication to the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity and his contribution to music. He will be carrying the torch in Ambleside.

LIAM JORDAN, 14, is a Millom schoolboy who will also be running in the procession at Ambleside.

DR TIM SOWTON, 51, a Seascale GP who was heavily involved in treating the Seascale injured during the June 2 shootings.

He also worked with Medecins sans Frontieres in Afghanistan and Cambodia before arriving in West Cumbria and is chairman of the Centre for Complementary Care at Muncaster.

He is running in Cockermouth.

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