A radio station has joined friends and social media users in a campaign for marathon fund raiser Phil Thomas to lead the Olympic torch parade through Stoke-on-Trent. 

Phil, of Etruria, raised over £1,000 for the city’s Treetops children’s hospice in 2010 by completing six half marathons in six days. 

And he has kept up the fund raising marathon by encouraging city residents to get fit and join him in a fund raising run for the hospice in May this year. 

The Olympic Torch will stop off in Stoke-on-Trent on 30 May, 2012, as it makes its progress across the UK to the Olympic Stadium in East London for the 2012 games.  

The campaign to get Phil nominated is being backed by Stoke-on-Trent’s new community radio station, 6towns. 

Trentham Running Club member Phil has been giving fitness tips to the station’s listeners as people prepared for the Treetops 5 and 10k runs. 

Rob Ledgar, a Director of 6towns radio, said: “Phil is a true inspiration and deserves the honour of carrying the Olympic torch when it comes to the Potteries. 

“Phil contacted 6towns about six months ago because he has a passion for exercise and wants to help local people on the road to fitness. 

“He also challenged our station volunteers to run the Treetops 10k and then led the team of presenters in the race on the day after the FA Cup final.” 

Phil has now joined the 6towns team giving regular reports on local running news on the Saturday morning sports magazine show Boots Bats and Balls. 

“I’m honoured that people want to nominate me. I am on Twitter as the 6towns runner and have been flattered to see users suggesting me as a torch bearer,” said Phil. 

“As a keen runner, I would love to get the chance.” 

The Olympic torch will come to Stoke-on-Trent as part of its UK tour.

Games organisers have called for people to nominate local heroes as torch bearers.

To nominate Phil go on line to http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay/carrying-the-olympic-flame/nominate-a-torchbearer.php. 

You will need to add his name, address and date of birth –

Phil Thomas, 116 Hanley Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6BE. DoB 06/ 03/ 1975 

ENDS 

For further information contact Phil Thomas on 07870 699125 or Rob Ledgar on 01782 816362.

Notes to Editors:

Phil is a very positive champion for the city of Stoke-on-Trent and very active in his community, giving his time freely to good causes and fund raising. 

His 6Towns Runner name came about when he ran 6 half marathons in 6 days last summer, one in each of the 6  Towns, raising funds for Donna Louise Children’s Hospice Trust along the way.  

He also acts as a volunteer on 6 Towns Radio and appears on various shows to talk about running, helping get people active. He has discussed various fitness programmes and supported listeners in achieving their fitness goals, doing all he can to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.   

See Phil’s activity on line: www.6townsrun.co. 

6towns radio is a community station staffed by volunteers. It is based at 26 Queen Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. 

For further information on 6towns radio log on to www.6towns.co.uk