Natalie to carry out torch dream

PASSION for sport . . . Natalie Williams

A PASSION for sport and respect for Olympic values means PE teacher Natalie Williams has more than earned a place among the nation’s 7,000 Olympic flame torchbearers.

Originally from Worcester, Natalie (30) moved to the borough in 2003 to take up her first teaching job at South Chadderton School.

There she rose through the ranks to become head of PE and helped form a committee for the school to make the most of this year’s Olympics.

Pulling together staff from across a wide range of subjects, Natalie helped bond the committee from which ideas about Olympic-themed projects arose.

She then moved to be director of sport at St Christopher’s High School in Accrington, where she will carry the torch on Saturday, June 23.

Natalie, who lives in Shaw, said: “I have worked hard over the last five years to promote the Games and their values.”

Natalie added: “I can’t wait to carry the torch, it will be amazing — a great story to tell the family. I’ve been getting messages from staff at both schools to say congratulations.”