From reins to reigns, Freya’s on royal duty this week
ALL SET TO CARRY QUEEN’S
A CHARITY fundraiser is among the Teessiders chosen to carry the Queen’s relay baton this week.
Freya Cowie has raised thousands of pounds for charity, dressed in her Baby Dino costume. She was nominated by her parents, Lisa and Colin.
The 20-year-old, who has Down’s syndrome, brought much needed happiness to her community during lockdown. Freya, from Billingham, is to carry the baton on Thursday as it continues on its journey to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games.
Her mum, Lisa, who carried the Olympic torch in 2012, said: “Freya is really excited to have been selected and it has made her feel really important and special. There are so many wonderful people doing amazing things throughout the country and Freya gets to be a part of that.
“She really enjoys being ‘Baby Dino’ in Billingham and hopes people come to wave, smile and cheer her along.”
Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Council’s cabinet member for health, leisure and culture, said: “I must say a special well done to Freya, whose inspiring charity work as ‘Baby Dino’ certainly makes her a very worthy Baton bearer.”
The Queen’s baton is set to start its journey through Middlesbrough at 9.49am.
Starting at the Riverside Stadium, the relay will travel towards Centre Square, 10.16am, before being taken to Middlesbrough Sports Village for a special school event, then taking a speedboat along the Tees to the Tees
Barrage.
Members of the public are encouraged to cheer on the relay as the route travels from the Riverside Stadium via Temenos towards the Transporter Bridge.
Thousands of Baton bearers with inspiring backgrounds and stories will have the honour of carrying the baton on its journey.
For Middlesbrough, this includes Freya; James Rose, a 34-year-old Afghan war hero who lost both his legs during active service in 2009; and 91-year-old Eric Powell, recently honoured with a 50-year service award from the Football Association and his MBE.
Councillor Stephen Hill, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for culture andcommunities, said: “It’s a real honour for Middlesbrough to be part of the Queen’s baton relay route and we hope everyone will turn out to cheer and join in the fun.
“Our baton bearers are amazing local people who have been nominated for being an inspiration to others and for their contributions to their local communities and the town.
“We know they will do a fantastic job of representing Middlesbrough and we can all feel proud to be involved in such a fantastic occasion.”