Andy Jackson will be carrying the Olympic torch, pictured with wife Janine and sons Sam and Ben
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Community and family man Andy to carry Olympic torch
By Becky BarnesJuly 09, 2012
A man whose family showed courage in adversity has been picked to carry the Olympic Torch as it travels through Maidenhead on Tuesday.
Andy Jackson, 48, from Wildridings, was nominated by friend and colleague Becky Oliver, in recognition of how his family came together when his wife Janine had her leg amputated during cancer treatment seven years ago.
The cancer returned last year, but Mrs Jackson is now in remission.
Her husband said: “She’s the hero really.
“It should be her nominated and not me, but I feel pleased and privileged.”
Mr Jackson was also nominated for his work as director of social justice at the Kerith Community Church. Projects he has run include leading the debt advice centre for five years.
Mr Jackson said he kept getting e-mails notifying he was through to the next round, but was surprised when he was finally chosen.
He said: “I was amazed to be honest. It’s something you never think is going to happen.
“I have always been interested in running and passionate about the importance of the Olympics.”
Janine Jackson, 49, an English teacher at The Brakenhale School, was surprised when her husband got the news.
She said: “He's been through a lot really.
“It has been tough since I became disabled, but it was important to get life back on track.
“It was hard – an absolute rollercoaster of ups and downs – but I have had to learn to pace myself.
“I call Andy my domestic god.”
The couple have three children: Ellie, 20, a University of Bristol student, Ben, 18, a sixth former at Edgbarrow School, and Sam, 16, who attends The Brakenhale School.
Sam said: “I think it’s great my dad gets to do this – he is so involved in the community.
“It was very difficult when Mum first got cancer, but our family came together – that’s what families do when it's hard.
“The second time we felt we could cope as we had been through it before.
“The experience has made as stronger as a family.”
The family attend Kerith Community Church and say their strong faith in God has helped them get through hard times.
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