Rick Evans, a Firefigher from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service will take on a flame of a different kind when he carries the Olympic Torch for South Wales next week.

Rick will be running with the Olympic Torch for 300 metres on the morning of Friday 25th May, in Malvern.

All torchbearers are nominated by people who know them, and have the privilege to be one of only 8,000 people carrying the Flame. It will be their chance to shine in South Wales, the UK and Worldwide.

Rick explains why he was nominated to carry the Olympic Torch;

“I was nominated by my family to celebrate the 10th anniversary of first being diagnosed with testicular cancer and subsequently being clear of the illness. I have also undertaken a lot of work and fund raising activities to raise money for several charities, including Velindre hospital, The Fire Fighters charity, St David’s Hospice and several others when performing the ‘Full Monty’, with the crew of Malpas Fire Station”.

“I was first diagnosed with testicular cancer in June 2002. Following the diagnosis I underwent two operations and several months of Chemo therapy.  I returned to work 15 months later and then embarked on a challenge to raise awareness and funds for those who supported me through the trying times”.

“I walked from Edinburgh to London and then completed the London Marathon one day after arriving in London. I had an enormous amount of support throughout the challenge – without this invaluable support the challenge would have been very difficult to complete”.

“I then went on to be a local councillor, involved in community projects providing valuable funs for community charities and providing a new play park to the value of £50,000, this I championed by forming a support group and taking the lead in the project”.

Rick speaks about his pride in being nominated and chosen to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity:

“I feel incredibly honoured to have this opportunity.  To carry the Olympic Torch is a great opportunity to represent all those who have been diagnosed and suffered due to cancer and to carry a torch of life for all those that have passed away - both family members including my father and close working colleagues