Martin Banks

Martin is the most giving, encouraging and inspirational man I and his friends know. After being born with a severe congenital heart defect, and undergoing emergency experimental heart surgery when he was 10 months old, Martin has a 'this will not beat me attitude'. Despite his medical history he has now climbed several mountains, including Everest and Kilimanjaro, and ran over 10 marathons. Martin then used this experience to become a trainer and train others to reach their marathon goals with great success. Martin works in HR and is responsible for staff welfare and this caring attitude has been with him throughout his life. He has taken sabbaticals to undertake inspiring Charity projects and as always is his mantra is to 'give something back'. His latest contribution to society is as a member of the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team where in this, his second year has won the Howard Hill memorial Award for his selfless work and outstanding contribution to the team. Martin is not only an amazing individual, friend, Uncle, Son and Husband he is an outstanding member of the community and there is nothing he would not do to help others and the community become the best they can be. Martin truly deserves to carry the Olympic torch we cannot think of anyone else that would be as proud and privileged to represent their local community, and country in ensuring that the games got off to an amazing start. I am also certain he would be greatly supported by the community in this role.climbed to Everest base camp