Teenager to carry Olympic Torch

By Gerard Meagher, Sportsbeat Staff

SARAH Thomas has spent years carrying the torch for multiple sclerosis sufferers, leading a campaign that has taken her all the way to the Prime Minister, and now she's set to get her hands on the London 2012 version.

TORCHBEARING REWARD: Sarah Thomas is set to carry the Olympic Torch on its journey to London

Thomas, 17, who has been caring for mother Carole, who has MS, ever since she could walk, was inundated with nominations to be one of the lucky few to take part in the Olympic Torch Relay next summer thanks to Lloyds TSB.

Her campaigning to raise awareness for the degenerative disease saw her interview David Cameron while she currently studies health and social care.

And having been handed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the Olympic Flame as it tours the country ahead of next year's Olympic Games in London - Thomas believes her campaigning has not gone unnoticed.

"It's a fantastic chance to do something that not many people will get the chance to do," said Thomas.

"And it will be a great opportunity to raise the profile of the cause that I support. I'm committed to raising awareness of young carers.

"There is a lot of help for full-time senior carers out there but not so much for younger carers and that's something that I've spent a long time looking to change.

"I'm a normal person and I have a busy social life and things like that but I do believe that people don't realise what young carers go through and hopefully carrying the Torch will help change that."

Thomas' meeting with Mr Cameron did not go to waste and subsequently the Government is now considering a new strategy to support young carers.

And mum Carole, 57, was over the moon to hear of her daughter's recognition.

"It was a feeling of amazement when I found out that Sarah had been selected," she said.

"I'm immensely proud of all the campaigning work that she does and this is great recognition for that and great awareness as well.

"It's fantastic that Sarah will get to carry the Torch but she'll be doing it on behalf of all the young carers across the country."

Get closer to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games with Lloyds TSB. Find out what we're doing in your community and sign up for customer-exclusive updates and tickets at lloydstsb.com/london2012 

© Sportsbeat 2011