A DOUBLE amputee from Fenland has been chosen from hundreds of people to carry the Olympic Torch in Cambridgeshire.

Matthew Dawson, 16, from Wisbech, will walk 300 metres with the Olympic Torch in Huntingdon on Sunday July 8.

He was nominated by his consultant Dr Wallace from Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London, in recognition of his positive outlook, attitude and his sporting accomplishments.

He said: “My doctor nominated me for just carrying on the way I have. They let me know by e-mail that I’d been selected - my friends thought it was amazing.

“I really didn’t think I would be selected because thousands of people were nominated. I don’t believe I have done anything special - I have just lived my life as I’ve wanted to and nothing has held me back.

“I can’t begin to explain how excited and honoured I am to be carrying the torch.”

Matthew was born with the bones missing from his lower limbs and both his legs were amputated when he was two years old. He was also born with two holes in his heart and a defective windpipe.

He has been part of Wisbech Cricket Club since the age of 12 and has been involved in many sporting activities including wheelchair basketball and table tennis. He is studying computing at the College of West Anglia.

Matthew, a former student of Marshland High School in West Walton, said: “It’s never held me back and I can get around most things.

Matthew, who uses prosthetic legs, will be cheered on from the sidelines by parents Hazel and Gary and younger brother Daniel, eight.

He said: “They are very proud.”

Liz Thomson, computing lecturer at the college, said: “Matthew has been studying with us since 2011 and during that time has proven to be an inspiration to his peers and tutors alike.

“His disability hasn’t stopped him living his dreams.”