SILHILLIANS are being encouraged to join in the celebrations as the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay tours the borough.
The baton will set off from Castle Bromwich at 8am on Tuesday, July 26, the baton will then go on to visit North Solihull Sports Centre, Babbs Mill Park, Hampton in Arden Tennis Club, Knowle, Meriden, Lavender Hall Park, Shirley Park and finishes at Jubilee Gardens at 6pm.
Along the route there will be a number of Silhillians who have been chosen specially to carry the baton.
This includes 12-year-old Lauren Duffy who was diagnosed with medullablastoma, a brain tumour when she was just six years old.
Her school principal, Amanda Mordey, at Forest Oak School in Smiths Wood said: “Lauren has many health issues.
“She is a wonderful example of a young person who overcomes challenges and approaching life with a positive attitude. She is an example to us all.”
She will lead the relay on Moorend Avenue in Chelmsley Wood.
Lauren’s mum, Samantha, said: “Makes me so emotional but it’s just overwhelming, Lauren has been nominated and chosen to be a Baton Bearer for the Queen’s Baton Relay, part of the Commonwealth Games.
“A massive privilege, but even more special for me, as six years ago when she was diagnosed with medullablastoma she had the first op for 11 hours removing the main tumour.
“This operation paralysed Lauren even down to being mute. We were told she may not ever walk again.
“This it’s just so unreal, Lauren is unreal and I’m proud to be her mother.
“I would love for people to come support Lauren on the day, give her the applause she deserves.”
Sajida Golby, founder of North Solihull Additional Needs Support Group (NSANSG) will also be carrying The Queen’s Baton in Marston Green from 11am.
The mum of three is a campaigner for children with additional needs and their families and supports those in the borough.
Sajida felt there was a need to provide a space for parents and families to share experiences, support each other and work together to campaign for better outcomes for their children.
What started as a coffee morning has now grown into a vast and diverse network of over 1,400 families.
She isn’t just running with the baton, she and NSANSG will be running an inclusive event from 10am in Marston Green.
The event will include craft and sporting activities, sensory play, and a visit from some furry friends.
Visit https://visitsolihull.co.uk/event/birmingham-2022-queens-baton-relay/ for more information.
