Chance of a lifetime for lucky torchbearer from Rochdale

Luci Teal dressed as a clown when she was fundraising for Comic Relief

Luci Teal, 28, couldn’t believe it when her boyfriend nominated her to be an Olympic torchbearer, now, almost 12 months since the initial nomination, Miss Teal has been confirmed as an official torchbearer - and she will carry the torch in Rochdale on 23 June.

Miss Teal, who works at Zen Internet, does a host of work within the community and has completed various charity runs. Over the years Miss Teal has raised money for Cancer Research, Breast Cancer Research, Springhill Hospice, Moorland Children’s Home, Asthma UK and Bolton Children’s Opportunity Group.

Her boyfriend, Paul Stead, 27, nominated her because of all the work she does for others. In his nomination Mr Stead that that Miss Teal “spreads joy and happiness in all she does” and described her as a “wonderful active member of society.”

Speaking to Rochdale Online Miss Teal, said: “I do a lot of runs for charity and Paul is really supportive, he is always there with a towel at the finish line.

“I got an email from Coca Cola (Olympic sponsor) saying I had been nominated and I couldn’t believe it.”

The next step for Miss Teal, who also works as a presenter on Bolton FM and as a producer for AtmosFEAR Entertainment Group, was to submit a ‘bid’ about herself and why she wanted to carry the torch.

To view Miss Teal’s bid, click here

In October 2011 Miss Teal received a conditional offer.

She said: “I kept it to myself because I didn’t want to jinx it. Since then it has been a bit of a waiting game.”

On Monday (19 March) Miss Teal’s place was confirmed for definite.

Miss Teal, who lives in Norden, said: “I feel incredibly lucky and also really grateful.

“I am very excited and I was very excited to tell people.

“Everyone is really excited. Even friends of friends have said they will come down on the day to see me – it’s just great. You don’t normally get this kind of opportunity.”

The Olympic Torch will travel through Rochdale on 23 June. Miss Teal will find out nearer the time which stretch of the route she will carry the torch.

The torch will come into Rochdale from Norden, along Edenfield Road with the first Torchbearer carrying the flame from the junction with Elmsfield Avenue.

It will then be on full view as it is carried along Sandy Lane past Spotland Stadium. It will turn left onto Bury Road and travel along College Road and Newgate before turning onto the Esplanade and passing in front of the Town Hall.

The flame will continue on its journey travelling along Manchester Road, then Bolton Road up to Springfield Park. The convoy will continue until Torch bearers pick it up again on Rochdale Road East, at the junction with Crimble Lane.

It then makes its way to Heywood town centre going along York Street and Market Street before finally leaving the borough and heading to Manchester city centre for an evening celebration.