John Abbey

John Abbey is 52 years old and runs a busy restaurant. He also runs miles - every day, without exception. But the reason he deserves to carry the Olympic torch is that last year he made the decision to run all the way from Goring in Oxfordshire to Chablis in France, a distance of 411 miles, in just 10 days, to raise money for children's charities. In April this year, after dedicated preparation and with superhuman determination, he achieved this amazing feat, despite obstructions on the route, a twisted ankle and a steadily swelling knee, let alone the sheer enormity of the task. So far he has raised over £15,000 in sponsorship for three charities that support terminally ill children and their families. This inspirational achievement makes John an ideal person to carry the Olympic torch through this part of the country.