Jack ran with the Olympic Torch in Harlow.
Chadwell Heath teen carries Olympic Torch after conquering kidney disorder
Lizzie Dearden, Reporter
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
11:00 AM
A Chadwell Heath teenager who had a kidney transplant when he was three carried the Olympic Torch through Harlow at the weekend.
Jack Booth, of Haywards Close, was born with a rare genetic disorder that made his kidneys started to fail when he was just a few months old.
He had a kidney transplant on the eve of his fourth birthday and has also had heart surgery related to the condition.
But the 16-year-old has gone on to excel in sports including badminton and table tennis, winning medals at the World Transplant Games.
Proud mum Linda encouraged Jack’s friends and teachers to nominate him as a torchbearer before passing away last year.
Jack said: “Mum started it all. She passed it on to people to write nominations and it was my badminton coach that did it.”
The Oaks Park High School student said running with the torch was “absolutely incredible”.
He added: “There are no words to describe what it was like, there were so many people.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking when I was waiting to take the torch but once I got going and the adrenaline kicked in it was fine.
“This is right up there with winning medals. It was even better in a way because it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Last year, Jack won three gold medals for badminton and table tennis at the World Transplant Games in Sweden, and is hoping to defend his titles at the British Transplant Games next month.
Dad Ian cheered Jack on during the torch relay on Saturday.
He said: “It was spectacular, I was quite surprised at how many people were there.
“When we came out of the meeting place we saw the crowds, they were really good.”
Jack has just finished his GCSEs and will start at Epping Forest College in September.
Local advertisers
More news articles
- Strike number six planned at Barkingside and South Woodford post offices over franchise plans
- New fines to ‘improve’ A&E departments could cost Redbridge hospital trust thousands
- Inquest hears of ‘incredible’ loss of 28-year-old motorcyclist on A406 near Redbridge roundabout
- VIDEO - Burst water main pipe eight properties in Woodford Bridge
- Free school holds first ever sports day - despite not having a field
- Want your kids to pass their exams early? Ilford education centre claims to help
- Ilford paramedic awarded in Queen’s Birthday Honours talks of 46 years saving lives
- Disability campaigners challenge ‘accessible’ Crossrail posters
- Close to 2,000 people enjoy guide dog training school open day in Woodford Green
- Cyclists head from Hainault into Essex countryside for charity
- Ilford station tazer wielding duo arrested
- MP Iain Duncan Smith will stand in Woodford Green seat at 2015 general election
- Redbridge doctors ask residents to help stop £40m loss through unwanted medicine
- Ilford man sentenced to five years in prison for possessing petrol bombs during 2011 London riots
- Cherry Tree Cafe in Wanstead supporting people with learning disabilities gets official opening
- Hindu temple holds art exhibition for birthday of Swami Vivekananda
- Police appealing for information after burglary at Woodford Green home
- Charity’s ‘aspiration’ to open shop in Ilford becomes a reality
- Want to get fit for the summer? How about joining this lot in Valentines Park?
- Visitors enjoy sing-song and afternoon tea at South Woodford Library
-
Use our Wedding site to help you plan your big day! - At WeddingSite we know how much you have to organise for your wedding day, that's why we have designed a set of FREE, simple-to-use tools to make the planning process easy & hassle-free. FIND OUT MORE
-
Find a date using our online dating and friend finder - You can meet new friends, find romance or simply meet up online with people sharing similar interests and hobbies. FIND OUT MORE
-
Find a local business using our online directory search - Need a plumber? Or a florist? Or anything else? Search our business directory to find Ilford businesses in just a few seconds. FIND OUT MORE
-
Family notices from the Ilford Recorder, with readers' tributes - In memoriam, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, best wishes & special days. FIND OUT MORE
Around the Web See all
Wood you believe it? Rescue full of coincidences
A series of “unbelievable” coincidences saw a firefighter named Woods rescue a tree surgeon from Woodland Way in Petts Wood.
- ‘High-tech flying platter’ launches at London sushi bar
- Picture gallery: Penny farthing cyclists speed round central London
- VIDEO: Theatre students take boy on magical train journey with King’s Cross flashmob
- Amazing animation tracks London’s pulse through commuter journeys
- VIDEO: Crystal Palace cheerleaders film Glad All Over
0 comments