Torch run for fundraiser

Bridget James with the Olympic Torch.

Flanked on both sides by the Olympic torches of five previous games (London 1948, Munich 1972, Seoul 1988, Atlanta 1996, and Athens 2004), Aberystwyth University lifeguard and fitness instructor Bridget James received the Olympic flame on the steps of the National Library of Wales.

Nominated by Aberystwyth Athletic Club for her fundraising work, Bridget carried the Olympic Torch from the National Library to the University’s main entrance on Penglais Hill, as it travelled north to Bangor.

With husband Gareth, Bridget set up Apêl Elain in 2011 after their daughter, who suffers from Congenital Heart Disease and 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, had spent five months in hospital in 2010.

During 2011 the appeal raised over £50,000 and has made generous contributions to its four nominated charities that provided care for the family during their time of need - Wallace and Gromit's Grand Appeal; Ronald McDonald House Bristol; Children's Heart Unit for Wales and the Wales Air Ambulance.

Speaking after her leg, Bridget said: “Receiving the Olympic flame on the steps of the National Library in the company of so many people made me feel immensely proud. I would like to thank those who nominated me, and to all those people who have contributed to Apêl Elain. Without them, none of this would have been possible.”

Further information about Apêl Elaine can be found online at http://www.apelelain.com/.

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