Michael Proulx will carry the torch this summer
Wanstead man who helps blind to ‘see’ to be Paralympic torchbearer
Jessica Earnshaw , Reporter
Friday, June 22, 2012
2:12 PM
A psychologist who has dedicated his career to helping blind people see by turning images into sounds, says he was so humbled to be nominated as a Paralympic torchbearer he almost didn’t accept it.
Michael Proulx, of Longcourt Mews, Wanstead, has worked at Queen Mary, University of London for the past three years and has pioneered the use of a device called The vOICe, which allows blind people to perceive the world more clearly.
The 36-year-old said: “It never occurred to me that someone would nominate me for an honour like this, it was really touching.
“At first I felt a bit too humble to accept.”
Mr Proulx, originally from Arizona, will be among 116 teams of five carrying the torch between Stoke Mandeville, Bucks, and the Paralympic Stadium at the end of August.
“I’m very lucky and fortunate to take part,” he said. “My wife and children are really excited to see me carry the torch and wear the special Paralympic tracksuit.”
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