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24/08/2012
Light The Way To The Paralympic Games
A celebration cauldron has been lit in Trafalgar Square in London using the English National Flame created by Scouts at Scafell Pike, England's highest peak.
The cauldron was lit by Claire Lomas, who was an event rider and chiropractor until an eventing accident in 2007 left her paralysed from the chest down. Since then she has married, had a baby girl, learnt to ski and fundraised for spinal research. Claire recently walked the London Marathon in a pioneering robotic suit raising £204,000 for Spinal Research. She is now training for a cycling challenge in 2013.
During the event in Trafalgar Square, 26 Flame ambassadors from the nations and regions each collected a splinter of the Flame in a lantern to take back to the various Flame celebrations being held around the country.
The day began with actor Eddie Marson carrying the Flame at the Royal Opera House. He recently played Dr Ludwig Guttmann, the pioneering neurologist who founded the Stoke Mandeville Games, in BBC2 drama the Best of Men.
Other highlights today will include the Flame being carried by performers who will feature in this weekend's Notting Hill Festival, a visit to the Houses of Parliament, and a journey on the Docklands Light Railway.
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: "The National Flame in England will help to light the way to the Paralympic Games. It will also give people the chance to celebrate the amazing achievements of the inspirational Torchbearers who all embody the Paralympic Values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality."
(CD)
The cauldron was lit by Claire Lomas, who was an event rider and chiropractor until an eventing accident in 2007 left her paralysed from the chest down. Since then she has married, had a baby girl, learnt to ski and fundraised for spinal research. Claire recently walked the London Marathon in a pioneering robotic suit raising £204,000 for Spinal Research. She is now training for a cycling challenge in 2013.
During the event in Trafalgar Square, 26 Flame ambassadors from the nations and regions each collected a splinter of the Flame in a lantern to take back to the various Flame celebrations being held around the country.
The day began with actor Eddie Marson carrying the Flame at the Royal Opera House. He recently played Dr Ludwig Guttmann, the pioneering neurologist who founded the Stoke Mandeville Games, in BBC2 drama the Best of Men.
Other highlights today will include the Flame being carried by performers who will feature in this weekend's Notting Hill Festival, a visit to the Houses of Parliament, and a journey on the Docklands Light Railway.
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: "The National Flame in England will help to light the way to the Paralympic Games. It will also give people the chance to celebrate the amazing achievements of the inspirational Torchbearers who all embody the Paralympic Values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality."
(CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
