Congratulations to Grosvenor pupil Tom Purdon who was selected to bear the Olympic Torch on Friday 8th June as part of its 70 day tour of the United Kingdom.

Talented Tom, who has represented Ireland in sailing at age-group level, was nominated as a torchbearer by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in January and received confirmation of his role shortly afterwards. 

Tom was honoured to carry the Olympic Torch through Rowallen and Saintfield for a total of three hundred metres, providing him with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  On his fantastic opportunity Tom commented: “It was an unbelievable experience.  I am so grateful to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust for nominating me and it is something that I will never forget.” 

Tom is the third person with Grosvenor connections to bear the Olympic torch during the UK-wide relay, with Jamie McClelland, currently in Upper 6th, and former pupil Martin Lamrour, who departed the School in 2004, having also received the honour.

The tour of the Olympic Flame is currently in its 24th day and will continue until 26th July, when it will reach London’s Hyde Park.  Well done to all of those connected to Grosvenor who received this special honour in recent days.