THE shining lights of mid Cheshire proudly carried their Olympic Torches to play their part in helping the flame continue its journey across the country.

Young fundraisers Charlie Witter and Gracie Gannon had their moments in the spotlight in Shrewsbury and Widnes respectively, on Wednesday, May 30.

The duo shared their special day with family and friends who had lined the streets with themed banners and t-shirts to spur the torchbearers on their way.

Here are their stories.

GRACIE GANNON A 20-YEAR-OLD fundraiser who has secured more than £2,000 for charity while juggling a university course and part-time job was recognised for her efforts with a place on the Olympic Flame route.

Davenham resident Gracie Gannon, a familiar face to shoppers at the Co-Operative store on Chesterway, was nominated for her hard work by shop manager John Berry.

The photography student at Staffordshire University had taken on the role of charity fundraiser, raising cash for Mencap by organising a variety of different events, and was also sponsored by Coca Cola for her stint with the flame in Widnes.

She said: “It was amazing, that feeling when I got off the bus was so overwhelming and fantastic, I just stood there for a few seconds.

“All my friends and family were there too.

“I was the last leg so I had 10 to 15 minutes before the flame arrived, so I could go around having my picture taken with the people in the audience.

“It was really nice to interact with the crowds and to share the moment with them.”

Talking of the torch, she added: “It’s a nice keepsake.

“I keep looking at it and thinking it wasn’t real.”

CHARLIE WITTER A TEENAGER who dedicates his spare time to securing cash for the hospital where he was treated for a brain tumour carried the Olympic torch on its way through Shrewsbury.

Grange student Charlie Witter, who lives in Whitegate, was supported by an army of family and friends every step of the way, all wearing t-shirts in support of The Clatterbridge.

The 17-year-old was diagnosed with the tumour in March 2011 and endured a five-week course of radiotherapy at The Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology, while also studying for his GCSE’s.

He was given the all-clear in August 2011 and has since launched a mission to raise funds for the hospital that saved his life.

Charlie was nominated by mum Karen to carry the torch and also sponsored by Coca Cola.

Talking of his special day, he said: “It was crazy and it went by pretty quickly.

“There were about 40 people supporting me and they all had green t-shirts on and they ran behind me.

“I am just so grateful I had the chance to carry it because not many people did.”

And the youngster’s charity mission continued directly after his run with the flame, with a special party at The Lord Binning pub, in Kelsall.

Mum Karen added: “Charlie is keen to give something back to both Alder Hey and Clatterbridge to thank them for the way they have cared for him.

“Charlie has recently taken part in a skydive and is doing an overseas trek along the Great Wall of China in October.”

To donate to Charlie’s cause, visit charlieswish.org or justgiving.com/Charlie-Witter.

JERRY WARD AN excited Jerry Ward now has less than two weeks to wait as he prepares to pick up the flame in Keighley on June 24.

The 52-year-old, a former pilot who was left paralysed from the neck down after being hit by a freak wave in 2007, was nominated for the role of torchbearer by his colleagues at Thomas Cook.

And the excitement has already begun for the Hartford resident after he teamed up with his work pals to complete the Great Manchester Run last month, in a record time of little more than 48 minutes.

Jerry’s Big Push Team was also featured on the BBC sharing a special moment with long distance runner Haile Gebrselassie.