An Olympic torchbearer ignited the spirits of both staff and patients at the George Eliot Hospital when he visited last week.
Ali Abdillahi of Nuneaton made a special appearance at the hospital to show off the Olympic torch and he certainly lit up everyone’s day.
The 18-year-old carried the flame towards Coventry Cathedral during the Olympic Torch Relay on July 1. He was one of the lucky few to be chosen to carry the flame through the city after being nominated by his mum in recognition of the work he does with young people in the community.
Even though the games were over, staff and patients couldn’t wait to get their hands on the torch and pose for a picture with Ali and his visit created a lovely buzz around the hospital.
Jean Whittaker, charitable funds co-ordinator at the hospital, said: “As we walked around the hospital with Ali people were really keen to meet him and see the impressive torch in real life. Lots of our patients now have a nice memento to keep that will remind them of the day for years to come.”
