We’d be proud to carry the Olympic torch

Natalie Yates-Brown (left) and Jenny Wood are torch-bearing nominees.

TWO inspirational women who battled cancer have been nominated for the chance to carry the Olympic torch on its route to London.

In the last 20 years, Natalie Yates-Bolton (45) from Chadderton has battled Hodgkin Lymphoma twice and breast cancer. She has had a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and reconstructive surgery.

Jenny Wood (53) from Royton, is in remission from breast cancer and has also endured chemo and radiotherapy.

The pair were nominated by their friend June Alligan, from Royton Running Club, who is inspired by their positive outlook in life.

Natalie said: “It is lovely to hear I’ve been nominated and that people I spend time with think so much of me. To be nominated means just as much as it would for me to carry the torch.

“I love watching the marathon and I’ve run a few myself so running with the torch would just be immense.

“It’s been great having Jenny as a friend, we’ve been running in wigs and silly stuff like that.”

Jenny has carried on running wherever possible throughout her treatment, raising £300 in the Race for Life last year .

“Carrying the torch is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — and if I won it, it would be a tribute to everyone has supported me throughout my illness — especially Natalie, who inspires me every day. I would love to see her carry it.

“The running has really kept me going and I am grateful to everyone for supporting us.”

June, who nominated them, said she hoped they could look to the future with happiness and hope, adding: “I would love for them both to carry the torch on its journey to London as they embody everything that the Olympics stand for — stronger, higher faster.

“They are both always smiling and positive throughout their treatment and an inspiration to everyone.”

The women are among the 28,000 nominees hoping to get through to the next stage of the application process to become one of 8,000 torch bearers.