Eddie backs 2012 volunteer recruitment drive

In what's been described as the UK's biggest peacetime recruitment drive for volunteers, Eddie, who was raised in Sidley, is urging anyone who thinks they can help to apply:

"We need volunteers. We need team players, those people willing to push themselves as far as they can to get their work done."

LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games) are expecting a deluge of applications for the 2,000 specialist roles.

With such a high level of interest, aspiring 'Games Makers' might be disappointed as LOCOG say there is a only a one in ten chance of being recruited.

However, a range of other positions, which include transport teams, spectator services, marshals, and costume designers, could see upwards of 70,000 volunteers recruited.

In order to make the event a success, LOCOG want to minimise the number of volunteers who drop out and chose Eddie to emphasise that they must be prepared to go the distance.

Last year Eddie completed an 1100 mile charity run for Sport Relief, completing 43 consecutive marathons in 51 days.

Eddie said: "Whatever role you are allocated, everything you do will be to help make the Games one of the most amazing experiences of people's lives.

"Imagine being able to tell your grandkids that you were part of the London 2012 Games."

Volunteers must be 18 years or over, but 1,500 under-18s will be recruited at a later date.

For further information visit the website at: www.london2012.co .

Application forms are available at: www.london2012.com/volunteering.

The deadline for applications is midnight on 27 October 2010.