Is this the region’s most travelled and photographed Olympic torch?

When Ian Buck, a volunteer at Trinity, was chosen to carry the Olympic flame through St Annes in June, he was cheered on by hundreds of people.

But Ian’s determination to share his ‘moment to shine’ with others means that the torch has now been seen (and held) by thousands more around Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.

In recent weeks Ian has visited schools, clubs, supermarkets, public events and even Mayoral receptions. In his talks to school children about the work of Trinity Hospice, Ian has taken the Olympic torch and made the youngsters’ day by giving them the chance to hold the torch and be photographed with it.

He said: “I estimate the torch will have been handled by over 8,000 people during my tour, and it has been photographed by dozens more.

“The Olympic occasion was so emotional and I felt very humble and privileged. I was in the company of heroes bearing the scars of war and by people who are physically disabled and I felt that their achievements far outshone my own.  I was determined to keep the Olympic torch enthusiasm and that special moment alive by sharing it with others.”

Lisa Martin, Trinity’s Community Fundraiser, said: “Ian is an inspiration and his generosity in sharing his Olympic experience with both young and old has made a huge and lasting impact. Ian is a very important part of our volunteer fundraising team and often goes out into the community to tell people about Trinity Hospice and its work.

“He certainly deserved the honour of carrying the Olympic flame and the fact that he has since used the torch in such a positive way shows how right the decision to choose Ian as a torch bearer was. Trinity – and the towns of Blackpool, Lytham and St Annes – could not wish for a better ambassador.”