Paralympics inspire torchbearer to go for gold (From Warrington Guardian)
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Paralympics inspire torchbearer to go for gold
4:00pm Saturday 8th September 2012 in News
Sam carried the torch
PARALYMPIC inspiration has rubbed off on one youngster who is now hoping to emulate the efforts of Team GB.
And 12-year-old Sam Crossley played his own part in inspiring others as one of the Paralympic torchbearers as the flame made its way from the home of the games – Stoke Mandeville – to London last week.
The Great Sankey High School pupil took to the streets with the torch after being nominated by charity Go Kids Go.
His dad David said: “It was an absolutely brilliant experience. We are all very proud of him.
“He was the fifth leg coming out from Stoke Mandeville and we were surprised how many people were lining the streets. There were hundreds if not thousands there.”
Sam, who has cerebral palsy, has been on wheelchair skills training courses run by Go Kids Go and has raised more than £500 for the charity by taking part in a wheelchair event as part of the New Balance Half Marathon.
He had an operation in January 2008 on his feet, legs and hips and Sam, of Foreland Close, Great Sankey, has worked hard since to regain strength.
The event has helped to inspire him.
“Sam was in awe,” added David. “He was nominated in November and although we were telling him how big it was I don’t think he realised until he got there.
“Before he was quite shy about it so not many people knew. Since he has seen himself on TV he has been posting it on Facebook.”
And while watching the GB team build up an impressive collection of medals Sam could one day be picking up his own.
“He has taken up disabled sailing, that’s something he is quite keen on and he has realised the Paralympics can open up a whole new world for him,” added David.
To donate to Sam’s charity visit justgiving.com/Sam-Crossley.
l Samantha Jones also represented the town on the Paralympic torch relay and took to Regent Street, in London,on Wednesday morning.
The 20-year-old, of Dale Lane, Appleton , was asked by the family of Warrington Disability Partnership stalwart Dave Connor, who died two months ago, to take his place.
