Eleven Forbes residents have been chosen to carry the Queen’s baton on its journey to the Gold Coast for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
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The baton has been handed from runner to runner around the globe on a 230,000km relay that began in London in March.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II placed her message to the Commonwealth and its athletes into the baton at the commencement ceremony, at Buckingham Palace, and entrusted it to the first baton bearer.
That message will be on the home straight on its journey to the April games when it travels through Parkes and Forbes on January 29.
Local baton bearers were announced on Wednesday. They are:
- Wendy Green,
- Taylah Hemming,
- Denise Jelbart,
- Robyn Kenny,
- Robin Lyell,
- Ethan Markwort,
- Peter Moore,
- Chris Roylance,
- Yvonne Shaw, and
- Rob Willis.
Lauren Neilsen will carry the baton in the Parkes shire.
Lester Sheather (Young) and James Smart (Seaforth) will also carry the baton in Forbes.
Local physiotherapist Taylah Hemming says it’s an honour to have been chosen to be part of the epic relay.
Taylah has been on a journey of her own since sustaining serious burns in a Boxing Day boating accident at the ski dam in 2013.
The family had been skiing half the day, but when Taylah and her uncle stepped back into the boat, the inboard motor exploded in flames. Both were airlifted to Sydney.
Taylah sustained partial thickness burns to 35 per cent of her body – her face, arms and legs - that day.
While her physical recovery has certainly been significant, it’s predominantly her psychological journey Taylah hopes will help and inspire others.
“Burns hurt you physically but also mentally,” she said.
“I suffer post traumatic stress syndrome.
“I know a lot of people would look at me and think there’s nothing wrong, but I want people to be aware of mental health, I want to reduce the stigma around it.”
Taylah has fond memories of the Olympic torch coming through Forbes, even photos of herself, aged eight, holding it.
She’s thrilled to have the chance to carry the Queen’s baton.
“I’m really grateful to the lady who nominated me,” she said.
“It makes me feel like I am getting a message out there and hopefully I am inspiring other people.”
The Advocate will bring you more baton bearers’ stories as the event approaches.