Last updated at 22:30, Saturday, 23 June 2012

Emma Goodchild brings the torch back into Carlisle today

Inspirational Brampton teenager Emma Goodchild had the honour of bringing the Olympic torch into Carlisle today.

The William Howard Pupil was cheered by hundreds of well-wishers at Kingmoor and had plenty of supporters from Brampton in the crowd, including schoolfriends, sister Katie and proud parents Elainie and Steve.

Despite suffering from cerebral palsy, Emma, 18,  has never let it get in the way of her passion for sport. She recently achieved a wild card place in the Boccia England National Championships, after being spotted at the regional championships last year.

She now travels to Newcastle every Monday to train at the top level, as well as being part of the boccia club at William Howard School, where she is a pupil.

Emma is also an up and coming star in the club throw, winning a gold medal at the North West Regional Junior Athletic Championships last year, and is aiming for the 2016 Paralympics – although she can already throw the qualifying standard.

After finding out she had been chosen as a torchbearer she said: “I’m really excited and hope to be an inspiration to other people with disabilities.”

Emma was nominated by her friend and fellow Paralympic hopeful Anna Nicholson, 16, who coincidentally was also put forward to be a torchbearer. It means the two disabled sports stars will both carried the flame in  Carlisle.

First published at 14:52, Thursday, 21 June 2012
Published by http://www.bramptonlocal.co.uk