Alumna to be Olympic Torchbearer

She carries out work for specific Cancer Research UK campaigns, for example, they are currently campaigning to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes. As a Cancer Campaigns Ambassador she also lobbies Parliament, gets friends and family to sign petitions and raises awareness around the Exeter area. She has also worked as a volunteer with Victim Support and Childline.

As a student Ashley ran a Community Action project for isolated older people with hearing and sight difficulties to provide them with a social event each week. She was also a mentor for GCSE students at a college in Exmouth.

Her fiancé, family and friends will be turning out to watch her carry the Torch in Dartmouth, South Devon on May 20. Her moment to shine will be at roughly 1:10pm. She knew she had been nominated, so it wasn’t a complete surprise to hear she had been selected.

“Even so I obviously felt extremely excited when I found out,” she said.

“I think a range of emotions will set in nearer the time – for now it's pretty much pure nerves!

“I do feel really honoured to have the opportunity to be a part of history. I'm hoping the nerves will turn into pure adrenaline on the day, and it will be something that I can look back on fondly. I also hope I don't drop the torch or set fire to anyone!!”

Find out more about Ashley on the Olympic website.

** Are you involved in this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in London in any way? If so, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch via alumni@exeter.ac.uk or + 44 (0)1392 723141 **