A FAKE Olympic torch passed through Fenland a month before London 2012 organisers announced the route would miss the district on its journey around the nation.
Wisbech-based solicitors Bowser Ollard and Bentley helped raise �28,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society by taking part in the “Not the Olympics 2012” charity campaign that saw a torch travel from Perth, Scotland, to reach London earlier this month.
Nearly 30 accountancy and law firms, part of the UK200Group, relayed the torch by microlight, horsebox, vintage car and trucks, tractors and a tandem bicycle on a criss-cross journey around the country visiting Glasgow, Jersey and Southampton.
Ian Groome, a partner in the March office, picked up the torch for the solictor’s leg of the journey before travelling to Stevenage via Huntingdon on a 900cc Kawasaki Ninja motorbike.
He said: “We’re delighted to have played our part in helping to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.
“The UK200Group selected the Alzheimer’s Society because it undoubtedly has the empathy of all member firms and is a growing problem which we believe should be given more awareness.”
The torch was met at the Olympic Park, London, by ITV sports presenter Matt Smith who is an ambassador of the Alzheimer’s Society, on Thursday November 10.
Ray Nash, area fundraising manager for the Alzheimer’s Society added: “We would like to thank the UK200Group for choosing the Alzheimer’s Society to benefit from its challenge.
“It was an extremely innovative and exciting way to raise money ahead of the 2012 Olympics”
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