Olympic flame will light way for others

Sam Spencer took her ‘Moment to Shine’ when she took part in the Olympic Torch relay. Picture by Sam Spencer

A KIND-HEARTED Droitwich teenager has vowed to use her Olympic experience to inspire young people across the county.

Sam Spencer told The Standard she would not sell the torch she carried proudly through Fernhill Heath last Thursday (May 24) and wanted to share the torch and her momentous experience with young people.

And the 17-year-old has already begun sharing her memories of the day with visits to schools in Pebworth near Evesham and King’s St Alban’s in Worcester.

Sam also visited New College in Redditch yesterday (Thursday) and said she would not be among the torchbearers who have sparked controversy in selling their precious mementos.

Their decision to sell torches on internet auction sites such as eBay in a bid to raise cash for charities in their local communities has been branded disrespectful by critics.

But Sam said: “I will definitely keep it not only because its such a special memento of an unforgettable day but because the torch relay has created a huge awareness of the Olympic Games and how important they are to this country.

“It’s really sentimental for me and I hope to be able to pass it down family generations as a reminder of an amazing experience and something really special,” she added.

Sam ran a leg of the relay in Fernhill Heath and was handed a welcome surprise before she set out when she discovered the cost of her torch has been met thanks to kind-hearted backing from Samsung and Wychavon District Council.

“I was the last one on the bus when we were taken to our starting positions and I felt really nervous but really excited during my leg. But it was over in a flash,” she added.

The 17-year-old was cheered by on by vast crowds which included her proud mum and dad, Kate and Coun Terry Spencer, family and friends.

Sam’s doctor, her tutor from NEW College and children she has coached football too in the past and currently were also among the well-wishers cheering her every step.

She said: “It was really good, it was an outstanding experience and something I will never forget.

“I didn’t think there was going to be so many people on the route but I saw so many friends and family members as well as people who just came out to see the torch.”

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