Queen’s Baton Relay

Home-town royal honour for our Gavin

ASPECIAL ‘royal’ relay came through the Moorlands this Summer on it’s way to this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

During its visit to the Staffordshire Moorlands in July, the Queen’s Baton Relay began its journey at the scenic spot of Rudyard Lake, making its way down the lake on a boat before being carried along by the Dam Head.

The Baton also made a trip up to the Roaches before heading into Leek where it was taken on a four person relay around the Moorlands town centre, ending in the Market Place for a warm welcome by crowds as the Young Pheonix Singers performed.

The baton then headed off to Alton Towers to have a ride on one of the resort’s rollercoasters.

The Batonbearers for the Leek part of the relay were: Gavin Yarwood from Leek, Jack Shephard from Sheffield, Lee Royall from Staffordshire, and Kate Jayden from Alstonefield.

Former Leek High School student Gavin Yarwood said he was very honoured to have been a Batonebarer in his hometown of Leek.

The para-athlete, who has relied on a wheelchair for mobility since an accident in Greece in 1999, even set himself the challenge to walk outside in the streets of his hometown for his role in the relay - the first time in 14 years.

Gavin said after carrying out his batonbearer role: “It was something I was determined to do today.

“I feel so honoured and emotional about having taken part in this today.”

We caught up with Gavin the following week to chat further about him taking part in the special event.

We first asked him if he had perhaps been nervous in taking part, in particular with the walking challenge he had set himself. He said: “I was excited mainly. But as it got closer, I felt a growing sense of responsibility.

“I realised what a big thing it was, and didn’t want to let anyone down.

“I didn’t actually realise or think about the 14 years of no walking, until I got to the very end of the relay. It was quite an emotional moment.”

We asked if he perhaps felt, at any point, that he could not go ahead with his walking challenge. He said: “Briefly yes. I couldn’t control my leg. I don’t know if it was nerves, or my body just having a bad moment, but I was worried.

“Luckily, with the help of my friend Morris, and the baton team, I managed to get to my feet and achieve my goal. They were all so lovely with me.”

As for when he was handed the Baton itself, he said: “It felt amazing. It was such an honour.”

As for the reception in town on the day and all the media attention, Gavin said: “Well that was bizarre, and not just from the photographers. I did two interviews after all the photographs were taken.

“And the support on the streets was crazy. I’ve never seen anything like that in Leek.

“The way people lined the streets and cheered was so overwhelming.

“I’ll never forget it. It was so special.”

It had been Gavin’s girlfriend Becky Hunt who had nominated him to be a Batonbearer.

Not only for his multitude of par-athlete achievements – including in shot put - but also because he had gone above and beyond to raise cash for the NHS recently.

Gavin sent out this message to Becky: “I love you Becky, thank you so much for this.

“You have given me a day that I’ll never forget.”

As for being the only Batonebearer to live in the town, Gavin said: “I felt like I was representing the town. It was a huge honour.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported and congratulated me over the last week. The messages I’ve received, and the things that have been said to me have been so nice.

“Cheers folks, I love you all.”

Moving forward, regarding his para-athlete career, Gavin told us: “I’m currently just training. I’ve had a lengthy lay off due to the pandemic, and an injury prior to that.

“I’ll probably get back to competing next season. I want to improve on what I’ve previously done.

“And the eventual aim is to become a Paralympian.”