Torchbearer Charlotte Lock

Torchbearers prepare for big day in Bexley

Robin Cottle, Reporter Thursday, July 19, 2012
12:06 PM

The Olympic torch relay is finally coming to Bexley after months of preparation. On Sunday the route starts at Erith Yacht Club, making its way towards Danson Park where there will be an evening of celebrations, with hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks the main attraction. Robin Cottle meets some of the torch bearers tasked with ushering the flame around the borough.

Charlotte Lock, 16, Rochester Drive, Bexley Village

Teenager Charlotte Lock was nominated by her mother Julia Wickham for her volunteering and work with children with special educational needs.

She has fitted in being deputy chair of the Bexley Youth Council around studying for her GCSEs at Newstead School in Bromley, meaning a lot of her spare time is taken up with helping others.

“I’m really excited and I can really look forward to it now exams are out the way,” Charlotte said. “I’ve been volunteering for three years now, it’s just something that comes naturally to me.”

Charlotte has been raised solely by her mother since she was nine months old and she said this has been her inspiration for giving back so much to the community. I try to manage my time effectively and it just seems to fit.”

Sandra Soler-Gomez, 42, Harland Avenue, Sidcup

Sandra mixes a full-time career as a business manager with parenting and extensive fundraising for a range of community organisations and charities.

She was nominated by the head office of her company McGraw-Hill, based in central London. The mum-of-two said: “I’m born and raised in Sidcup so I can’t wait to carry the torch through Bexley. I also love anything to do with sport and I’m really looking forward to the Olympics.”

Sandra organises a bi-annual charity ball which has raised almost £30,000 for the likes of Help for Heroes and The Meningitis Trust.

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