A PILLAR of the community who loves to help other people could carry the Olympic torch through York.

Linda Goodwin, of Dunnington, was nominated by her son, Ben, to reward her for her charitable and community-minded spirit.

The 52-year-old has helped at the York Against Cancer charity shop for more than ten years, and cares for elderly or ill people in the local community, including her father, who has Alzheimer’s. She also works for the local playgroup.

She said: “I just like generally helping people. I like to be involved and like to be around people all the time.”

She said she was thrilled to have received the confirmation from the London 2012 Torch Relay Team that she was through to the next stage of the selection process.

It’s not the first time Ben has entered her into awards to recognise her contribution to the community – and in 2009 she was named Britain’s Biggest Fighter, winning £1,500.

She said: “I get overwhelmed when he does these things for me. It’s so nice to have two extremely wonderful kids.”

Ben, 27, said: “You always have somebody in a village community there to help everybody else and that’s my mum.”

Linda’s nomination will be reviewed by a regional selection panel this autumn, which is one of 12 regional selection panels looking for 2,012 individuals to carry the flame.

Ashleigh Green, an 18-year-old carer and volunteer, has also reached the next stage of the selection process after also being nominated to carry the torch. Ashleigh, who has just left Huntington School and will start at York College in September, volunteers to teach children swimming as well as being a carer.

She has volunteered for New Earswick Swimming Club for four years, before completing her teaching qualification.

She also teaches swimming part-time and cares for her father, who has bipolar disorder. Ashleigh, of Huntington, said: “I’m just doing what I’m doing.

“I didn’t feel I was doing anything extra.

“I’m excited, although I did think what if I slip over and the Olympic torch goes out?

“All my friends have helped my mum with the nomination and it’s nice to know my friends think I’m important and that I deserve it.”