Son to honour Tomlinson
Theson of inspirational fundraiser Jane Tomlinson will carry the Olympic torch on behalf of his late mother.
By Emma Bird
Last Updated: 20/03/12 9:22am
The teenage son of inspirational fundraiser Jane Tomlinson will carry the Olympic torch on behalf of his late mother.
Steven Tomlinson will be taking his turn on the relay when the torch arrives in Leeds in June.
His mother, who died from cancer in 2007 at the age of 43, carried the torch ahead of the 2004 Games in Athens.
The 14-year-old said: "I'm really excited about being nominated as a torchbearer.
"It's a great opportunity to be part of the Olympics. I will be doing it on behalf of my sisters and my mum. It should be a great experience."
Defied experts
Mrs Tomlinson inspired thousands of people with her charity challenges while battling against terminal cancer.
The NHS radiographer defied experts and spent seven years raising money for charity through marathons, the Iron Man contest, triathlons, a tandem cycle ride from Rome to Leeds and a bike ride across America, from San Francisco to New York.
Overall, she raised more than £1.85 million and her family have continued to raise funds for her charity, the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, since her death.
In June 2003 she was awarded an MBE for her work and was later made a CBE.
Her husband, Mike, and daughter, Rebecca, also announced recently they are planning to run this year's Paris and London marathons and cycle the distance between them.
Steven was one of two official nominations by the City of Leeds to carry the torch.
The other was Aidan Dixon, 18, who turned around a troubled early life to inspire young people in the city.
Mr Dixon said: "I hope it helps other young people who may be having problems to realise that they can turn their lives around and achieve their goals."
