Pewsey pupil’s privilege at representing school (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Pewsey pupil’s privilege at representing school

12:00pm Thursday 19th July 2012 in Pewsey

One of the youngest Olympic torchbearers, 12-year-old Pewsey Vale student Gemma Bawcutt has spoken of the pride and honour she felt as she ran her 300 metres through Salisbury last week.

Gemma, who lives in Hilcott and plays netball for her school, had been nominated by her PE teacher Lyndsey Shaw in recognition of her dedication to sport.

She said: “I was so proud to be chosen out of all the students at Pewsey Vale School and I felt it was a great honour and privilege to represent the school in this once-in-a-lifetime event.”

Cheering her on by the roadside were her proud parents Elizabeth and Duncan, sisters Pip and Olivia, and grandfathers Alan Latham and Richard Cook, together with aunts, uncles, cousins and her godmother Elizabeth Wrigley.

Also watching were her friends, and pupils from Woodborough Primary School, which she formerly attended.

To thank those who supported her, Gemma has this week taken her torch – which her grandfather Mr Latham bought for her as a keepsake – into Pewsey Vale and  Woodborough Primary schools where pupils got the chance to hold it.

Grandfather Mr Cook, a carpenter, has promised to make her a cabinet for the torch.

Looking back on her big day, Gemma said: “It was amazing, it was something I will remember for the rest of my life.”