A BARRY grandmother will prove age is no barrier when she takes possession of the Olympic flame on the torch relay this Saturday (May 26).

63-year-old Kay Richmond, a social worker for Welsh children's charity LATCH, will speed along Broad Street as one of the torchbearers paving the way to the London 2012 Games.

Colleagues, based at the children's hospital in Cardiff, nominated marathon and half-marathon veteran Kay for the honour, in recognition of the work that she does, and for raising almost £7,000 for the charity.

Her work involves supporting families following their child's diagnosis of cancer or leukaemia, and offering practical and emotional support both in the home and community.

She is also responsible for organising trips, treats and events for the children and families so they can have positive experiences whilst going through chemotherapy.

Kay, who has worked for LATCH for 17 years, said: "My reaction when I saw the nomination was that it was a joke - I didn't believe it was genuine!

"I wasn't going to respond but my granddaughter Emily kept insisting, as she was very proud of me, and I was amazed and thrilled when my nomination was accepted.

"All my family and friends are very supportive and will be there on the day shouting encouragement," she added.

"It is a real privilege to carry the flame – and I am honoured to carry it in Barry, my home town."

Kay will run at 7.47am on Broad Street from Trinity Street to Island Road.

She added: "I hope that by being a torchbearer I can promote and raise the profile of LATCH, the Welsh children’s cancer charity, so that it can continue supporting children with cancer and leukaemia."