A KEEN runner who has a life-long condition which affects his co-ordination has been named as the first Wokingham person to be a torch bearer for the Olympic Games.

Kieran Wassell, from Emmbrook – and supported by St John The Evangelist in Woodley – has been selected to carry the Olympic flame when it arrives in Reading on July 11.

The 24-year-old said: “It is such an honour and I was over the moon about it when I found out.

“I do a lot of running for the Dyspraxia Foundation and they nominated me to be a torch bearer.”

Kieran, who works at Morrisons in Woosehill, was diagnosed with Dyspraxia when he was just nine and turned to running as the condition meant he found team sports challenging.

His father, Paul, said: “We are really really pleased for Keiran.

“When he was at school a lot of the sports is team sport and with Dyspraxia he wasn’t so good at that.

“But then when he was about 15 he started going to the gym and realised that he was good at that so he started running.”

John added that the whole family were looking forward to getting out and supporting the runner when he carries the torch between Reading and Salisbury on its way to London for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Kieran said: “I’m really excited about the Olympics.

“When it is the opening ceremony I will be watching thinking I’ve helped it a bit.

“I’m looking forward to watching a lot of the running and being a runner I would like to watch my heroes like Usain Bolt as I look up to someone like him.”

Kieran will also be taking part in the Wokingham, Reading and Bracknell half marathons next year to raise funds for the Dyspraxia Foundation.

The foundation is the only national UK charity working to support thousands of people who are affected by Dyspraxia each year.

The charity received funding cuts last year meaning its campaigns and support are more important than ever.

Sally Payne, chair of the Dyspraxia Foundation, said: “2012 is to be a year of double celebration for the Dyspraxia Foundation.

“As the charity celebrates its 25th anniversary year, Kieran has been chosen to be one of the Olympic Torch Relay runners.

“We are calling on all readers to join our celebrations this year by supporting our 25th anniversary year appeal in any way they can to ensure families get the help they need.”