CROWDS gathered in London and cheered on Warrington Disability Partnership’s volunteer charity worker Samantha Jones as she carried the Paralympic torch down Regent Street.
Watched by WDP’s Gavin Thompson and family, Samantha carried the flame in memory of a dear friend and 
colleague, Dave Connor, who died suddenly two months ago.
Dave had mentored and encouraged Samantha to take up wheelchair basketball.
She will be playing, coaching and promoting the sport from next month.
Dave played wheelchair basketball for Great Britain at International level. He was selected by the International Paralympic Committee to be a torch bearer in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sports and his dedication and commitment to promoting disability awareness throughout the community.
Sadly, he died before he could do so.
Samantha was asked by Dave’s family to step in and carry the torch on his behalf.
Before setting out on the relay she said: “I feel honoured to be carrying the torch and so 
proud to be representing Dave and his family. I miss his friendship and guidance greatly but I know he will be beside me all the way”.
Earlier, another Cheshire Paralympic torchbearer was cheered on by Cheshire Police staff at Winsford.
Wheelchair athlete Jenny Wilson carried the flame from police headquarters to the NeuroMuscular Centre, a mile away.
At the centre, local clubs provided demonstrations of disability-inclusive sports, such as wheelchair basketball, cricket, tennis and football, archery, golf, and boccia.
Police authority chairman Margaret Ollerenshaw said: “Seeing the courage and dedication which people with disabilities put into their sport and the pleasure they obviously get from it, is inspiring. Even when the sport may not be at Olympian or Paralympian level, the approach is just the same.
“The Olympic spirit has touched us all and it has been a tremendous experience to be associated with it in any way.
Pictures Right, Samantha Jones heading down Regent Street. Left: Margaret Ollerenshaw and Assistant Chief Constable Janette McCormick with Jenny Wilson and the Paralympic flame
Sam's Paralympic torch honour
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
