A LONDON 2012 torchbearer will continue to inspire a generation when he embarks on a mammoth sponsored swim in aid of Sport Relief next month.

Barry Beavers Disabled Swimming Club member, Nicholas Cushen, of Barry, is in training ready to complete 2.5km – 100 lengths - of Barry Leisure Centre’s pool on Sunday, March 23.

Nicholas, 29, who is partially sighted due to a childhood illness and who also has slight dyspraxia and dyslexia, was a Coca-cola Future Flames torchbearer, in the town, in May 2012 ahead of the London Games.

The former Meadow Bank, Romilly and Barry Comprehensive pupil was nominated for his running role by the swim club where he has been a member since 2008.

Last year he raised money for Marie Curie with a sponsored swim at Cogan Leisure Centre – a feat he completed in 1 hour 11 minutes and 52 seconds.

Nicholas said: “The Games were brilliant. Since 2012 I was invited to start a disabled swimming club with one of the other swimmers on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening at the leisure centre.

”I want to help people in Britain as well as abroad, but also to feel inspired by me doing it. It’s a challenge.”

Nicholas, a former Cardiff & Vale College student who has completed health and social care and childcare courses, has also enjoyed success with Barry Beavers – arriving home with medals in five out of seven galas.

He has also attended torchbearer reunions and will also take part in a triathlon, raising money for the swimming club, on July 6 this year.

If you would like to sponsor Nicholas, search Nicholas David Cushen on Facebook or email NicholasCushen@hotmail.co.uk

Alternatively, contact Nicholas via the Barry Beavers Disabled Swimming Club who meet at Barry Leisure Centre from 3.45pm to 4.45pm on Saturday.