'Uncle Simon' completes torch relay in honour of his niece Maddi. (From Western Telegraph)

'Uncle Simon' completes torch relay in honour of his niece Maddi.

9:20am Saturday 23rd June 2012 in London Olympics 2012 - Latest News

ONE East Lancashire Olympic torch bearer has already enjoyed his moment of glory.

Simon Foster, 28, of Darwen, completed a leg in Preston this morning.

He was running in honour of his neice Madison Allan, the seven-year-old whose courageous battle to beat cancer melted the hearts of thousands.

Before she finally succumbed to Neuroblastoma on Boxing Day he had hoped his niece would be able to accompany him part of the way.

Simon, of Clough Street, at first nominated Madison to become a torch bearer, but she was not allowed to be chosen because the minimum age for torchbearers is 12.

He volunteered to take her place and run for her.

Following her death, Simon has chosen to carry the torch in her memory.

He said: “I am very keen on sport and it is fantastic when something like this comes to your own country.”