A dedicated physiotherapist and a prolific endurance fundraiser have been selected as Paralympic torchbearers.


Kate Sherman, 35, and Michael Helps, 46, from Epsom, will carry the flame on its journey from Stoke Mandeville to the Olympic Park in Stratford, on August 28 and August 29, when the Games begin.


They were nominated in a campaign run by Lloyds TSB, a partner of the Games, in its search for people who have inspired and supported those with disabilities and made a difference in their community.


Miss Sherman works as a physiotherapist at Headley Court, a rehabilitation centre for injured servicemen.

She has given up weeks of leave to train military patients for the amputee and spinal unit games at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, which is regarded as the home of the Paralympic Games due to the pioneering rehabilitation work carried out there.


A committed fundraiser for the Help For Heroes charity, Miss Sherman will be carrying the torch through Newham on Wednesday (August 29).


She said: "It’s amazing. I was stunned when I was told.

"We have got a couple of our old patients who have gotten through to various events and I’m looking forward to supporting them.


"The Paralympics has always been my thing more than the Olympics and, this year, it’s a lot more in the public awareness."


Mr Helps was nominated for the inspiration he has given others by taking part in a number of endurance challenges for charity including swimming the English Channel, running across the Sahara and cycling from John O’Groats to Land's End.


He will be carrying the flame in Aylesbury on Tuesday (August 28).


Mr Helps said: "It is incredible hearing the inspirational stories of the teams and individuals that have been selected to carry the flame and the power of Paralympic sport itself to inspire us all.


"It is an honour to be part of such a great event - I never expected anything like this when I undertook the different challenges for the charities I have been fortunate enough to support."