Two Seals have been honoured by being chosen to represent the town as torch bearers for the 2002 Commomwealth Games.

Rachel Linney,who has a visual impairment, was nominated by her parents who are "proud of her tireless determination". She is a member of the Women's North West Disabled Swim Club and is part of the England Training Squad. Rachel swims with the Seals when not actively training. She will be joined by Wendy who has also been chosen to carry the Commonwealth Games Jubilee Baton.

Wendy, a wheelchair user,was nominated by the Macclesfield Seals. They will join eight other representatives of the community in The Jubilee Baton Relay on Saturday, July 20 - day 45 of the baton's 50-day journey around the country.

Wendy said: "I was totally stunned when I was told that I would be taking part. I am amazed and honoured to be chosen to carry the baton, never in my wildest dreams would I have expected this." Mother-of-two Wendy suffers from ME. a debilitating disorder characterised by muscular pain and fatigue. She has been a volunteer and committee member with the Seals since 1997.

Thousands of people were nominated to carry the baton so it's such a privilege to be chosen. They are not exactly sure what will be happening on the day yet but they are really looking forward to it.

The Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay starts from Buckingham Palace on March 11, and travels to Canada, Caribbean, Africa, Australia, the Far East and Malta before returning to Belfast for the start of the UK leg.


Wendy