Commonwealth Games: Shropshire people carrying the Queen's Baton revealed

A number of inspirational Baton bearers for the Birmingham 2022 The Queen’s Baton Relay, which will arrive in Shropshire twice next week, have now been revealed.

Ten Shropshire people, each with their own incredible story, will join previously named Kelda Wood MBE who will carry The Queen’s Baton into Shrewsbury Castle for an official civic welcome when it first arrives in the county on Monday 18 July 2022, and husband and wife, Ronald and Dianne Morgan who run children’s charity, Dreamcatcher Children.

The other inspirational Baton Bearers who will carry the baton on its journey across the county include:-

• Kath Norgrove, who chairs a grassroots environmental group working towards a more sustainable low-carbon community in Bridgnorth.
• Andy Smith, founder of Smashlife UK, an organisation aimed at young people, social workers and specialists within the care system to help overcome childhood trauma and abuse.
• Sally Johnson, who set up the charity The Harry Johnson Trust after her son died aged seven in 2014 of cancer.
• Ian Davies, who since being diagnosed with cancer in 2014 has raised thousands of pounds for charity through sporting endeavours.
• Rebecca Warren, a ward manager on Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries Unit at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt (RJAH) Hospital in Oswestry, who was seconded to set up and lead the COVID-19 vaccination centre in the hospital.
• Chloe Manley, St John Ambulance District Cadet of the Year 2021.
• Andrew Reed, who took on what is said to be the toughest mountain race in the world, the Dragons Back Race, and not only finished, but came 48th out of only 90 who finished.
• Andy Finazzi, who set up charity Cal-Sibz to help siblings of sick children.
• Joanne Wisdom, who, despite a foot injury, limped the London Marathon in just under six hours, raising £4,500 for Brain Research UK.

The Baton will arrive for the first of two visits to the county when it is delivered to Shrewsbury Sports Village on Monday 18 July 2022 by a Juno helicopter flown by aircrew from Number 1 Flying Training School, from RAF Shawbury.

It is scheduled to arrive at 4.38pm where it will make a lap of the cycle track, before being carried by Baton Bearers through the town and arriving at The Quarry park at 6.43pm, where the Baton Bearers will make a loop of The Dingle before joining the main stage of a unique free festival celebrating The Queen’s Baton Relay in Shrewsbury. Free tickets are available for the mass celebration event, which runs from 4pm to 9pm with live music, sports, kids’ activities, art, street food and lots more for people of all ages to enjoy.

The Queen’s Baton Relay will return to Shropshire in Bridgnorth on Saturday 23 July 2022, with the  Baton being delivered by Severn Valley Railway at 11.17am. The Baton will be carried around the town by Baton Bearers before arriving in Severn Park where community sports and wellbeing groups will be laying on taster sessions, which will take place between 10am and 3pm. Sporting Bridgnorth and Bridgnorth Town Council are hosting the free celebration event, with free tickets available to everyone.

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, culture, leisure and tourism, and transport, said: “The Baton’s arrival in Shropshire is a wonderful opportunity for people to get involved with the Commonwealth Games and will celebrate all the county has to offer.

“With under a week to go until the first time it visits our county, it’s been exciting to find out who the Baton Bearers will be and hear their personal stories. The Queen’s Baton Relay is a chance for us all to be inspired by what sport and the communities around it can achieve. Make sure you join in and watch the Baton’s journey.”