TWO charity volunteers were among those delivering the baton in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games.
The baton began its 294-day journey from Buckingham Palace in October and has been carried by bearers around all 72 countries in the Commonwealth before finishing up in Birmingham today, July 28 for the start of the games.
Nathan Dunbar, who volunteers for Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), carried the baton on July 7 as part of the Queen’s Baton Relay.
Nathan, from Polegate, was selected because of his support for KSS as a fundraiser and volunteer for the last five years.
He also volunteers for other charities including Fight for Sight and St Wilfrid’s Hospice, and founded the Polegate Scarecrows Community Fund which provides grants to local community groups, projects and charities.
Nathan said: “Being nominated and then selected to be a baton-bearer was a very proud moment and I was honoured to be given the privilege to carry the Queen’s baton.
“It was a very surreal moment to take part in such an inspiring event with so many amazing people.”
Helene Poursain, director of fundraising and events at KSS said: “At KSS, we are so proud of Nathan and are extremely grateful to him for helping us to fundraise and to raise awareness.
“We are so pleased that he enjoyed this very special moment. We were supporting him every step of the way.”
Chanel Pritchard, 16, from Seaford, was also selected to carry the baton, selected from over 8,000 entries.
Chanel is one of the first Young Ambassadors for KSS and was chosen in recognition of her support for the charity.
She said: “I was so proud to be a part of the Queen’s Baton Relay, especially to have been selected through my work for KSS.
“It was an honour to meet with the other participants and to listen to their inspiring stories. It was a very special day.”
Sarita Taneja, patient and family aftercare manager at KSS, said: “Chanel is a remarkable young lady who thoroughly deserved the recognition through this honour.
“We are so proud of Chanel and are very grateful to her for her ongoing support.”
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