Former Chief Superintendent to carry Olympic torch

A former Essex Police Chief Superintendent has been chosen to carry the Olympic torch through Chelmsford.

Photo: Jed Stopher (centre) running the London Marathon

Jed Stopher, 49, retired from Essex Police earlier this year having raised thousands of pounds for Broomfield Hospital as the leader of the Essex Police Marathon Team.

He has now been selected to carry the Olympic Torch through Chelmsford on July 7, 2012 as part of its 70-day journey across the UK on route to the Opening Ceremony in London.

Jed, who was nominated by his wife and staff at the hospital in Chelmsford, is one of 8000 inspirational torchbearers chosen to carry the torch on its journey between May 19 and July 27, 2012.

He was chosen by an Olympic selection panel and is now looking forward to playing his part in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

He said: “I found out the good news a few weeks ago. It’s fantastic stuff and I’m really grateful for the opportunity. I’m very much looking forward to it.”

Jed has run a total of ten marathons, many in full police uniform, to raise money for charities including Epilepsy UK and the British Heart Foundation. 

In 2009, Jed and the Essex Police Marathon Team completed the London Marathon to raise £10,000 to help equip an intensive care unit at Broomfield Hospital with advanced life-saving equipment. The following year the team ran again to raise money for a special intensive care baby unit at the hospital.