Gateshead Batonbearers 'Take it On' and carry Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton
Gateshead residents are part of thousands of inspirational people selected to carry the Queen's Baton as it travels the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days before culminating at the Opening Ceremony for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022.
Arriving in Gateshead on Friday 15 July, the Batonbearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, will have the honour of carrying the Baton as it makes its way from the Angel of the North to Saltwell Park, continuing through Gateshead before heading up the River Tyne and across into Newcastle.
Batonbearers have been selected in all nine regions of England and embody the diversity in communities across the country. From local heroes to inspirational school children, the Batonbearers come from all walks of life, backgrounds and ages - and each take on issues that matter most to them.
Nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community, whether that be in sport, education, the arts, culture or charity. Between 40 and 130 Batonbearers will carry the Baton each day, and the Relay will reach hundreds of villages, towns and cities during its tour of the country.
Carrying the Baton on the day is Gateshead's Marianne Dodds, who having suffered from mental health issues set up a running club to help others overcome issues through the power of running and fitness. The club now has over 1,000 members. 46-year-old Marianne is also training to become a mental health nurse so she can help more people overcome their difficulties. Having recently lost her mum, Marianne will be carrying the Baton in her memory.
Sarah Fisher from Gateshead is also carrying the Baton. Sarah, who is 28 years old, is a true inspiration and in spite of her Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Dystonia, has achieved her Queen's Scout Award, Gold Duke of Edinburgh and a Master's degree. Sarah had brain surgery to help keep mobility so she could keep playing music and she raises awareness about disability and education, working to promote inclusivity in music. She is inspirational to the young people she has worked with, giving them confidence to perform. Sarah also does stand-up, challenging perceptions of CP and has signed up to the Great North Run for Dystonia.
Gateshead's Juliet Sanders, 63 years, is also a Batonbearer. Juliet left her career to set up a charity four years ago. The Feeding Families charity now provides over 9,000 meals at Christmas and 161,000 meals throughout the year.
Also carrying the Baton, is Gateshead's Lucy Scott. Lucy has Cerebral Palsy and is an inspiration to everyone who meets her. She encourages others to keep trying and never to give in. She doesn't let her disability beat her and takes part in swimming, horse riding and running. Lucy has completed the Junior Great North Run several times and raises money for a number of charities. Lucy's twin sister Molly, will also be carrying the Baton on the day.
Gateshead Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, Councillor Angela Douglas said: "We're delighted to welcome The Queen's Baton Relay to Gateshead and to celebrate our amazing Batonbearers.
"Their stories are a true inspiration to others and show that you can overcome challenges to achieve success. I'd encourage our local communities to join in the excitement and show their support by cheering on our Batonbearers on the day."
The Queen's Baton Relay will start from the Angel of the North before making its way through Low Fell at 4.20pm to Saltwell Park where people will be able to take part in a range of sports taster activities from 4.30pm before the Baton arrives. The Birmingham 2022 mascot, Perry, will also welcome the Baton into the Park, one of only a very few appearances he will make across the 25 days in England.
The Baton will complete its journey through Gateshead before crossing the river by boat into Newcastle. It will then be carried up to Grey's Monument before descending back to the Quayside for an end of day celebration that takes place at Wesley Square from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Gateshead residents are part of thousands of inspirational people selected to carry the Queen's Baton as it travels the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days before culminating at the Opening Ceremony for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022.
Arriving in Gateshead on Friday 15 July, the Batonbearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, will have the honour of carrying the Baton as it makes its way from the Angel of the North to Saltwell Park, continuing through Gateshead before heading up the River Tyne and across into Newcastle.
Batonbearers have been selected in all nine regions of England and embody the diversity in communities across the country. From local heroes to inspirational school children, the Batonbearers come from all walks of life, backgrounds and ages - and each take on issues that matter most to them.
Nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community, whether that be in sport, education, the arts, culture or charity. Between 40 and 130 Batonbearers will carry the Baton each day, and the Relay will reach hundreds of villages, towns and cities during its tour of the country.
Carrying the Baton on the day is Gateshead's Marianne Dodds, who having suffered from mental health issues set up a running club to help others overcome issues through the power of running and fitness. The club now has over 1,000 members. 46-year-old Marianne is also training to become a mental health nurse so she can help more people overcome their difficulties. Having recently lost her mum, Marianne will be carrying the Baton in her memory.
Sarah Fisher from Gateshead is also carrying the Baton. Sarah, who is 28 years old, is a true inspiration and in spite of her Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Dystonia, has achieved her Queen's Scout Award, Gold Duke of Edinburgh and a Master's degree. Sarah had brain surgery to help keep mobility so she could keep playing music and she raises awareness about disability and education, working to promote inclusivity in music. She is inspirational to the young people she has worked with, giving them confidence to perform. Sarah also does stand-up, challenging perceptions of CP and has signed up to the Great North Run for Dystonia.
Gateshead's Juliet Sanders, 63 years, is also a Batonbearer. Juliet left her career to set up a charity four years ago. The Feeding Families charity now provides over 9,000 meals at Christmas and 161,000 meals throughout the year.
Also carrying the Baton, is Gateshead's Lucy Scott. Lucy has Cerebral Palsy and is an inspiration to everyone who meets her. She encourages others to keep trying and never to give in. She doesn't let her disability beat her and takes part in swimming, horse riding and running. Lucy has completed the Junior Great North Run several times and raises money for a number of charities. Lucy's twin sister Molly, will also be carrying the Baton on the day.
Gateshead Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, Councillor Angela Douglas said: "We're delighted to welcome The Queen's Baton Relay to Gateshead and to celebrate our amazing Batonbearers.
"Their stories are a true inspiration to others and show that you can overcome challenges to achieve success. I'd encourage our local communities to join in the excitement and show their support by cheering on our Batonbearers on the day."
The Queen's Baton Relay will start from the Angel of the North before making its way through Low Fell at 4.20pm to Saltwell Park where people will be able to take part in a range of sports taster activities from 4.30pm before the Baton arrives. The Birmingham 2022 mascot, Perry, will also welcome the Baton into the Park, one of only a very few appearances he will make across the 25 days in England.
The Baton will complete its journey through Gateshead before crossing the river by boat into Newcastle. It will then be carried up to Grey's Monument before descending back to the Quayside for an end of day celebration that takes place at Wesley Square from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
