AN inspirational marathon runner and hospice volunteer has been chosen as one of the Olympic torch bearers to take the flame through Worcester.

Monica Martin, aged 71, has been chosen to carry the torch through the city centre on Friday, May 25, on its way to Malvern ahead of the start of the games on July 27.

Mrs Martin, who has run three marathons – two in London in 2011 and 2007 and the New York marathon in 1999 – has been a dedicated volunteer at St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester for the last nine years.

The Claines resident and grandmother of six was nominated by one of the patients for her work driving patients to and from the hospice and her general care with the residents.

A couple of times a week she sits with patients in their own homes while their regular carers have a break and raises funds to help keep the charity going.

Fundraising has been a continuing theme for Mrs Martin, who has raised funds for the hospice, Macmillan Nurses and Age UK through her marathon runs and completed her last in five hours and three minutes.

She said: “It’s very nice to be nominated, and quite an honour.

“I think it’s fantastic that the torch is coming to Worcester, I’m looking forward to it. My son Martin Richards, who lives in the USA with his wife, will be coming to watch with my daughter Annie.”

Mrs Martin has just completed a year as president of Soroptimist International Worcester and Malvern, which supports the Malvern Women’s Refuge, and is a member of the Black Pear Joggers.

“I go running two or three times a week just locally,” she said. “Sport has been very important to me but I’m slowing down now. I’ve always been interested in it – I’ve always liked sport of some sort.”