Paralympic torch bearer guest of honour at party (From Epsom Guardian)

Paralympic torch bearer guest of honour at party

9:50am Saturday 1st September 2012 in News By Alexandra Rucki

A Paralympic torch bearer was the guest of honour at a party held to celebrate the games.

Sunrise Senior Living, a care home, in Croydon Lane, Banstead, hosted the family tea party on Wednesday.

Lauren Sullivan, 15, who carried the torch in Sutton, lives with Achondroplasia - a form of dwarfism.

The teenager uses a wheelchair most of the time and took up swimming to help ease the pain.

She progressed so quickly she took part in the Disability Sports Events Junior National Disability Championships this year and won three gold medals.

Miss Sullivan was also named the Sutton Disabled Sportsperson of the Year Award in 2011.

The care home users enjoyed learning about Miss Sullivan's achievements and spoke about her experiences over tea.

Suzanne Surgin, general manager, said: "We were absolutely delighted to have Lauren join us for tea in celebration of the start of the Paralympic Games.

"As a community, we are so proud of her and her achievements to date and it was a pleasure to meet her in person.

"I know that all of the staff and residents here at Sunrise of Banstead would like to thank Lauren for coming down to spend the afternoon with us. She is an inspiration to us all."