Torchbearer Moira inspires youngsters (From Malvern Gazette)

Torchbearer Moira inspires youngsters

2:10pm Sunday 5th February 2012 in News

YOUNGSTERS at a village primary school invited their very own Olympic heroine to celebrate the opening of their new adventure playground.

Olympic torchbearer Moira Starkey, age 84, from Storridge, was invited to officially open the refurbished playground at Cradley Primary School on Wednesday afternoon.

The octogenarian, who uses two sticks to walk but will use just one for her Olympic effort, was invited to be a torchbearer in recognition of her fund-raising efforts.

Mrs Starkey is hoping her Olympic efforts will raise a total of £20,120 for The Haven - enabling it to support another 20 people.

Anyone who would like to support her can donate at justgiving.com/moirasmeters.

The adventure playground refurbishment has cost just over £5,000 and has been supported with grants of £700 from the 3 Villages Festival and £500 from school trustees.

Headteacher Adam Greaves said it has already proved a big hit with pupils. “The playground is a wonderful resource as it provides freedom, adventure and exercise for all the children,” he said.

“The children were delighted to meet Moira. They will be following her progress and we hope her visit will inspire them as they move towards an Olympic-themed term.”