News

Inspirational torchbearer talks to local school

Published 11 July 2012

Torchbearer and University of Brighton resource assistant at the Falmer Library, Steve Brooks, will speak to the children at Western Road Community School in Lewes on 18 July as part of the school’s Olympic Sports and Art activities.

Steve was nominated by his wife who said he is "a truly inspirational man". When she met him he was on kidney dialysis and could not work full-time, but was running pub quizzes and doing stand-up comedy routines between dialysis treatments. A few months after the couple married, Steve had a successful kidney transplant, undertook a 'back to work' course via the JobCentre and found a new career in library work. When his wife was pregnant with their son, Steve was diagnosed with a rare form of melanoma in his eye. He has since lost his eye to a second tumour but is now cancer-free.

In her nomination, his wife said: "Steve genuinely lives life to the full, not letting his many physical and mental health issues get him down for long. He is on a cocktail of drugs to maintain adequate physical health, yet still finds time to cook amazing meals for his family and get down on the floor to play at cars and trucks with his two-year-old son. He truly embraces life and would embrace the opportunity to carry the Olympic torch with gusto, inspiring many people not to waste the precious time they have in this world with their loved ones."

Steve will be carrying the torch through Lancing on 16 July. When Western Road Community School approached the university for help in finding a torchbearer, Steve leapt at the chance to tell his story. Parent Governor Chloe Edwards said: "We are thrilled to have Steve come along to talk to us. It will be perfect for our Olympic celebrations at the school."

Carrying the torch in Lewes on 17 July will be Dr Nick Webborn, from the university's Chelsea School of Sport in Eastbourne. Dr Webborn will be chief medical officer for the British Paralympic team for the London games.