Paralympian thanks Redditch for support

Buy photos » Sainsbury's staff members Brenda Crook and Pauline Rooke meet paralympian Claire Cashmore. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4612001MMR

PARALYMPIAN Claire Cashmore returned to her birth town to celebrate her success at London 2012.

Cashmore proudly showed off the two silvers and one bronze medal she won in the pool to staff and customers at Redditch's Sainsbury's store off the Alvechurch Highway last Thursday (November 8).

The 24-year-old, who was born at the Alexandra Hospital, is one of 52 Paralympic GB medal winners currently touring their local Sainsbury's stores to share their amazing achievement with residents.

Shoppers were queueing up to meet the athlete who posed for photos with fans and even let them try on her medals.

"It feels great to be back in Redditch," Cashmore told the Standard.

"Even though I grew up in Kidderminster and swam for Wyre Forest, Redditch is only 20 minutes away and the support from everyone here has been really great. It means a lot to me.

"The Olympics was the most incredible experience of my life and I really wish I could rewind time because it feels like a distant memory. I wish the Olympics could be in London every day.

"The crowd and support was phenomenal and competing in front of a home crowd of 17,500 people was just amazing and makes it that extra bit special."

Cashmore added she will be training hard and hopes to compete at the 2016 Games in Rio.

"I'm getting back in the pool and doing what I do to get that gold."

Yvonne Sheehan, Sainsbury’s deputy manager for Redditch, said: "Many of our customers and colleagues were right behind her during the Games, cheering her on to success. This was the perfect opportunity for fans to congratulate her and see a Paralympic medal up-close."

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