Deaf teenager to carry Queen’s Baton this Sunday as part of countdown to Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games

A deaf teenager from Linlithgow has been selected to be a batonbearer in the Queen’s Baton Relay on Sunday 15 June in his home town, as part of the countdown to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Fraser Gunn, 19, is profoundly deaf and has been nominated as a result of his volunteer work with the National Deaf Children’s Society. He will be one of the first batonbearers to carry the torch in Scotland, as the relay returns from its tour of the Commonwealth on Saturday 14 June.

Fraser is a Youth Support Volunteer and acts as a deaf role model at Family Weekends run by the National Deaf Children’s Society, where he often gives talks to other deaf children, young people and their families. Fraser has also raised close to £2,000 for the charity after taking part in a 47 mile Glasgow to Edinburgh cycle ride.

Anne-Marie Sandison, Youth Outreach Officer for National Deaf Children’s Society Scotland said: “Fraser has shown outstanding commitment and is a fantastic role model and volunteer for the National Deaf Children’s Society. We are absolutely delighted that Fraser has been chosen. Everyone who knows him will be joining the crowds to celebrate with him on the day.”

Fraser said: “I am over the moon to be nominated by the National Deaf Children’s Society and I can’t wait until I carry the baton. I really enjoy helping the charity at their youth events and being a role model for other deaf young people – I love showing them that being deaf shouldn’t hold you back and you can achieve anything you want to. Carrying the baton is a great honour and it will be a fantastic day that I will remember forever.”

To find out more about the NDCS, go to www.ndcs.org.uk