Excitement builds for Olympic torchbearer

An inspirational University of Wolverhampton graduate says she is ‘very proud and excited’ to be carrying the Olympic torch through the city this weekend.

Ceri Davies, from Kingswinford, will be one of the torchbearers in Wolverhampton on Saturday (30 June 2012).

Ceri, who has cerebral palsy and spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, was nominated to carry the torch for her commitment to volunteering and youth work by the Diana Award.

The 22-year-old will be carrying the torch from Shakespeare Street to Bilston Street in Wolverhampton from 3.15pm.

She has now received her official white and gold Olympic torchbearers’ uniform, and will be watched by her mum, dad, sister and other friends and family when she takes part in the relay.

She has also chosen to buy her torch as a memento of the day.

Ceri, who graduated with a 2:1 BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood and Sociology from the University in 2011, said: “It was amazing to find out that I’d been chosen to carry the torch. I’m very excited about it, particularly to carry the torch in Wolverhampton.

“It will be a very proud day and I’m nervous but excited at the same time. It is an honour to carry the Olympic torch.

“The thing I’m looking forward to the most is having my family, friends and supporters there to cheer me on. I feel like it is recognition for the volunteering and youth work I’ve done, and for other young people I’ve worked with and everyone who has supported me.”

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, said: “Everyone at the University is extremely proud of Ceri’s achievements and we’re delighted that she has been given the honour of carrying the Olympic torch. We hope she enjoys her special day and being part of an historic moment for Wolverhampton.” Ceri has been involved in volunteering and youth work since she was 13. Ceri was nominated for the honour of carrying the Olympic torch by Katie Marple, Network Co-ordinator at the Diana Award.

Ceri was invited to 10 Downing Street in 2009 to receive one of ten Golden Diana Awards, for her work as a dedicated and active member of Dudley Youth Council.

Over the years, Ceri has played a big role in the Diana Award organisation, joining the Youth Advisory Board and becoming head of the Regional Hub for the West Midlands and she is also on the Alumni Advisory Board.

Since receiving the Diana Award, Ceri has gone on to set up her own consultancy company, CD Participation Services, which offers research, motivational speaking and youth work. She was a speaker at the United Nations Rights of a Child conference. She has also set up a fundraising organisation which aims to raise funds for disadvantaged and disabled children across the UK and she also works with numerous other charities.

She is also now a Youth Network Leader for Arts Award in the West Midlands and an associate with the Black Country Children's Services Improvement Partnership (BCCSIP).

ENDS

Picture: Ceri Davies, pictured outside number 10 Downing Street

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736 or email: v.warren@wlv.ac.uk or Vari Lambert at the Diana Award on 0207 921 4570 or vari.lambert@diana-award.org.uk