Thousands of Exeter residents were given a right royal pat on the back today
from the delighted organisers of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Baton relay.
Today
And there were thanks too for the people of Crediton who got up at the crack
of dawn to see the baton make a special detour down their high street.
Today
Katrina De Jersey, who has been leading the advance team on the baton's
journey across Britain, said: "Exeter's reception for the baton was
absolutely wonderful.
Today
"There must have been 5,000 people there when the baton arrived on the
quayside.
Today
"It was by far the biggest reception party we have had so far and it was
really well organised. It really did wonders for the morale of everybody
involved. I cannot thank the people of Exeter enough for what they did."
Today
"There was even a big crowd in Crediton and that was before 7am yesterday.
Today
"It really lifted our spirits and was a true reflection of everything the
relay is meant to mean about bringing people together."
Today
One of those who ran the baton through Crediton was Exeter schoolboy Kelvin
Perry, 15, of Ashleigh Close, Exwick.
Today
Kelvin, who was given just four months to live before he had a liver
transplant, was up at 5.30am to prepare for his big day.
Today
And when he had finished his section, he was so delighted that he kept on
his official baton shorts and T-shirt to show off to his friends at
Southbrook School, Countess Wear.
Today
Kelvin said: "It was marvellous.
Today
"Even better than I thought it would be.
Today
"I got so excited I sprinted away with the baton but then the organisers
told me I had better slow down.
Today
"There were crowds of people cheering me on and as I went along I was called
over and presented to the Mayor of Crediton who was really pleasant.
Today
"After it was all over I went straight back to school, but I kept my
kit on
just to show everybody.
Today
"I brought my uniform along as well but nobody told me to change, so I just
enjoyed the whole day with it on."
Today
Kelvin's mother, Sharon, said: "He really enjoyed it. He is very fit really
and we are all so proud of him."
Today
The Mayor of Crediton Cllr Charlie Haydon said: "There was a really good
turnout, especially for that time of day.
Today
"It all went really well and we were quite proud that the organisers took
the trouble to include us."
Today
After the Crediton leg, the baton was whisked back to Exeter and run out
from the cathedral along Topsham Road.
Today
Picking up the baton along the way was Dean Dunbar, 32, of Monks Road, Mount
Pleasant.
Today
Dean, who is slowly losing his sight, took the baton from the Barrack Road
junction to Burnthouse Lane.
Today
Running with him was his wife of only a few weeks, city GP Rhona.
Today
Dean said: "It went really well. There were not too many people along the
road but my mother, Liz, was there to cheer me on.
Today
"I managed all right until I was running directly into the sun, then I
couldn't see a thing so Rhona had to take my arms and guide me along the
way."
Today the baton reached Southampton. |
