Lloyds Tsb Begins Torchbearer Search

Lloyds TSB, National Presenting Partner of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, has unveiled a new campaign calling on the nation to recognise people in their community by nominating them to carry the Olympic Flame.

The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will be a 70-day celebration, starting at Land’s End on 19th May 2012.

The bank is inviting the public and customers to nominate somebody who’s made a difference in their local community and inspired others for the once in a lifetime opportunity to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer.  

Lloyds TSB is also encouraging people to share their nominations to inspire others to make a nomination of their own.

Nominations are now open until 12th September, and can be made online via www.lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame.

Sir Chris Hoy, four-time Olympic Gold Medallist and Lloyds TSB ambassador for the London 2012 Games, said: ‘It’s great that Lloyds TSB is bringing the Games closer to local communities and inviting the public to nominate someone to carry the Olympic Flame’.

‘I urge everyone to nominate and recognise the people who’ve made a difference to their local community’.

To help inspire the public to nominate, Sir Chris has made public his own Torchbearer nominations – the first for an unsung hero from British Cycling, Geoff Cooke (pictured with Hoy), and the second for 94 year-old Andy Coogan, a World War II veteran who missed the chance to fulfil his athletics potential because of the war, but who still supports and coaches runners today.  

Both represent people who have made a difference in their local communities and whose story will inspire others.  ? ?

Former swimmer and Lloyds TSB London 2012 ambassador Mark Foster, also shared his nomination at the launch, reminiscing about who inspired him to become a swimmer – Mark nominated swimming instructor, Mrs Anne Hardcastle, who spotted his talent when he was five years old.

Foster added: ‘There are unsung heroes across all corners of the UK, whether it’s your neighbour who is always helping others in the community, the teacher who runs the after school clubs or the mum who runs a marathon to raise money for charity’.

‘We all know someone who has made a difference and who deserves this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the London 2012 Olympic Flame. Make sure you give them that chance by nominating them’.