TJ Morris’ Martin Newman carries the Olympic Torch

Our very own Martin Newman was successfully nominated as a Torchbearer and carried the Olympic Torch through St Helens, in recognition of his services to the charity Katie’s Ski Tracks.

Driving TJ Morris lorries by day, 59-year-old Martin has been volunteering by night as chairman of the charity for the last 22 years.

Formed in 1990 in memory of Martin’s girlfriend, Katie’s Ski Tracks is a voluntary organisation that changes young lives, by taking children from disadvantaged backgrounds on an adventure skiing holiday of a lifetime.

Because of their conditions, these youngsters are often excluded from school and family holidays and for some, unfortunately, it will be the first and last holiday they will ever take.

Martin said: “I was so shocked to have been selected as one of 8,000 torchbearers, from an initial list of 36,000 applications for services to the community.  Actually running my 300 meter leg, carrying the Olympic flame on its journey from Athens to London for the opening ceremony, was such an amazing and humbling experience.

“This opportunity has not only enabled me to create a little bit of history but to gain awareness for my 22 years of voluntary work with my charity. I would like to thank TJ Morris for nominating me for this truly amazing honour.”

Katie’s Ski Tracks was named after the late Katie Noctor, who helped to co-found the charity in 1990, and who lost her
own personal fight against cancer just two years later. For more information, visit www.katiesskitracks.org.

Martin is pictured carrying the Olympic Torch on the 1^st June, as he runs past cheering crowds of supporters.