Marathon runner with Down's syndrome carries Paralympic torch (From Times Series)

Marathon runner with Down's syndrome carries Paralympic torch in West Hendon

1:10pm Wednesday 29th August 2012 in News By Emma Innes

The Paralympic torch was carried by five torchbearers as it passed through West Hendon this morning.

The torchbearers included Simon Beresford, 44, from Lichfield.

Mr Beresford was the first person with Down’s syndrome to run the London Marathon.

He has now run eight marathons raising more than £20,000 for the Down’s Syndrome Association.

Mr Beresford was accompanied by Sara Clarke, also 44, who has spent the last 20 years working at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The torch travelled 92 miles from Stoke Mandeville, the home of the Paralympics, to the Olympic Park during a 24 hour period.

It was carried by 116 teams of five torchbearers and arrived at the park in time for the Paralympic Opening Ceremony.