The ICE newsletter team caught up with ICE Fellow Andy Fewtrell last month to hear about his involvement in the Olympic torch relay. Andy is the Managing Director of the asset management company the Up and Under Group.
So Andy, tell us about your torch experience
Well, for a lot of people the Olympic torch relay passes by in a flash, but I was very lucky and managed to really get involved. I was elated when I was asked to take part and carry the torch in Crewe, my hometown.
What did you get up to after the relay?
I took the torch to more than 20 local schools, the Cheshire Show and a few sports days. I wanted to make sure that as many people as possible got to share in the Olympic fun. It has been a busy time, that’s for sure.
You certainly were busy – and how did it all start out?
It started as a simple email offering to schools asking them if they wanted to have the torch visit them. The response was amazing and nearly 6,000 extra people got to hold it. They were mainly school pupils, but the torch also reached at least one Countess while I had it!
Why do you think you were nominated to carry the torch?
It was because of my work founding and running the Up and Under Foundation.
What does your work involve?
The Up and Under Foundation [part of the group] is a charity set up to help improve young people’s lives through adventure. Much of the funding for the charity comes from my companies, which are pretty diverse. We do everything from structural inspections, office refurbishment, suspended ceilings and partitions, and even get involved in bolting cliffs back together!
How would you sum up your Olympic torch experience?
Fantastic. And great to raise the profile of the charity too. It seems that the golden torch hadn’t lost its draw, even without the flame!