Two Wells City Harriers have been recognised for their contribution to society by being selected to carry the Olympic torch next Tuesday, 22 May.

John with the torch in Frome

Kay Franklin

Long-standing club member Kay Franklin said, “I was nominated by my elder son Martin for the community work that I have done and still do.  I have run 17 marathons and managed to raise thousands of pounds for such charities as Cancer Research.  I am also a trustee for a charity for psychiatric patients in Romania.  I have also been a Justice of the Peace for 20 years.  I have had a great deal of help along the way and I have had good health so if I can  give a little bit back, then that is great by me.”

Kay's stint will be from the 30mph sign outside the Reclamation Centre in Coxley heading towards Wells.  This will be at approximately 10.15 (the official time is 10.24.)

Fellow Harrier John Reynolds has been recognised for his standing long-distance Ultra runs.  These started in 2009 with a 110 mile non-stop run between two of the hospices run by Children's Hospice South West.  His latest and probably final super run was to break the world record this distance run in under seven days.  He did this between the first and seventh of May this year and is believed to have covered about 440 miles breaking the previous record of 408 miles.  During these runs John has raised about £50,000 for the charity.

John's stint carrying the torch will be just after midday on Tuesday running from the Frome marketplace on the B3092 North Parade near the Welsh Mill.

In addition, one of the Harrier founder members Tony Williams, who was behind the recent request to the Wells City Council to recognise Mary Rand's Olympian achievements, will be carrying the torch in South Wales later in the torch parade. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!