CAFOD’s barefoot runner to carry Olympic torch

John McBride

One of CAFOD’s most prominent supporters will make a unique contribution to the Olympic torch relay this summer as he runs his mile with the Olympic torch barefoot.

John McBride, 48, a Newcastle Council worker from Consett in Durham, has been selected to carry the torch on 20 June in Barnard Castle, County Durham. John was nominated by CAFOD for his unceasing efforts to raise awareness of the poverty and injustice in the world that the charity seeks to change. John has also raised thousands of pounds for CAFOD through various sporting activities including the Great North Run, when he runs the last mile barefoot in solidarity with those for whom shoes are a luxury.

Known locally as the ‘Barefoot Runner’, John will shed his shoes for his section of the Olympic flame relay, cheered on by his family, friends and fellow CAFOD supporters.

John said: “It’s a great honour for me to be chosen to carry the torch but the real credit has to go to CAFOD and all of its supporters who allow CAFOD to do such life-saving work around the world. I’m representing all those who go to events, buy raffle tickets and never win and sponsor people like me, knowing that they are improving the lives of those who live in extreme poverty. I’ve seen for myself the devastating effect of poverty and met communities who are struggling to survive through no fault of their own but do so with such dignity, love and hope. They will be with me every step I take carrying the Olympic torch.”

CAFOD will have a second representative in the torch relay, in the shape of marathon expert, Dominic Goggins, who works in CAFOD’s Advocacy Division. Dominic, 26, originally from Manchester and now living in London, will be carrying the Flame through Southwark on 26th July. He was nominated after completing 30 marathons, including one in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research in memory of a friend.

Dominic said: “I’ve run thousands of miles in my life, but none will be more important than this one: a chance to represent CAFOD and to raise awareness of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. The Olympics are an occasion when the whole world comes together to celebrate what unites us, and I’ll be proud to play my part in the relay on the eve of the Games. But it’s a privilege to work for an organisation which every day is helping to promote community, peace and progress in the poorest countries in the world.”

CAFOD director Chris Bain said: “It’s supporters and staff like John and Dominic that make CAFOD what it is. We’re extremely grateful for all the support we get to ensure that CAFOD and its partners can continue to make a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in the world. We’re so proud of John and Dominic and we’ll be cheering them on as they take part in this momentous occasion.”

The Olympic Flame will embark on its journey across the UK on 19 May. It will cover 8,000 miles and visit over 1,000 villages, towns and cities before arriving at the Olympic Stadium in London on 27July to mark the start of the Games.