Strong family ties for dedicated boxer

Champion Thai boxer Andrew Lofthouse

CHAMPION Thai boxer Andrew Lofthouse was one of the first torch bearers to be announced, and received acclaim from across the North-West.

His dedication and effort for his sport and family — he cares for his mother, who has severe health problems — has delighted the community.

His powerful story was so inspiring he was crowned winner of the special achievement category at the Pride In Oldham awards in 2007.

Since then Andrew, now 20, won a gold medal in Muay Thai kickboxing at the world championships in 2010, and was chosen to be an Olympic ambassador, to help with the torchbearer search last year.

He will be one of the few people from Oldham to carry the torch — on his home turf on June 24.

When he was told he was to be involved he said: “It just goes to show it doesn’t matter what background you come from, you can achieve so much in life.”