Students and staff from Queen Mary are amongst the 8,000 inspirational people to carry the 2012 Olympic Flame as it journeys across the United Kingdom.
Torchbearers have carried the flame through more than 1,000 cities, towns and villages, travelling to within an hour of 95 per cent of people in the UK, the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey during the 70-day Torch Relay.
Third year QM medical student Claire Giles will run with the torch in Tower Hamlets on 21 July, while Lecturer Dr Michael Proulx from the School of Biological Sciences takes the flame in August during the Paralympic Torch Relay.
First Year Queen Mary Geography student Jamie Narborough will carry the flame through the London Borough of Bromley on 23 July. He was nominated by his parents, who describe him as an “inspiration, a fantastic role model to others” and a determined worker who "makes the most of every opportunity that comes his way".
Jamie, 20, was born with both feet twisted up to his knees and has undergone a series of operations since he was eight weeks old, spending many months in plaster. At the age of six he was also diagnosed with cancer and went through six months of intensive chemotherapy. After losing his hair as a result, Jamie suffered bullying when he returned to school.
Beginning secondary school, Jamie knew he wanted to become an anti-bullying councillor, work in the school library and become Head Boy. By his final year, he managed to complete all these goals, pass his GCSEs and A Levels and, in 2011, take up a place at Queen Mary. Amongst other achievements during his school years, he was awarded for his support to younger pupils, led the organisation of a 50th anniversary school party and undertook work experience at the Docklands Light Railway and London Underground for five consecutive summers.
Commenting on his nomination as torchbearer, Jamie says: “Since the London Olympic Games were announced in July 2005, I have been keen to get involved in as many ways as possible and I now have the ultimate involvement. To be part of the Torch Relay will be an overwhelming experience and I cannot wait to pass the (hopefully) cheering crowds.
“When I found out I had a place, I spoke to my parents to thank them for my nomination and thank them for their support through some of the darkest times. Reflecting on the process, I realise how my story can be inspirational. I hope other people hear about this and perhaps challenge themselves to do something they may have felt was beyond them.”
After completing his exams, Jamie will be visiting primary and secondary schools near his Lewisham home to talk to students and staff about the Games and their legacy.
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