York City Supporters’ Trust are hoping that long-standing board member Steve Beck can become an Olympic torchbearer and even carry the famous flame around Bootham Crescent’s pitch.

Beck has been nominated by the Trust for the honour when the torch passes through the city in June 2012.

It is a gesture that has been made in recognition for his service to the Trust and his role in helping the football club stave off the threat of closure in 2003.

Beck served the Minstermen as chairman, youth development director and fans’ liaison director before ending six years as a board member in January 2009.

He has maintained his place on the Trust board, however, despite almost dying twice last September when he had to be resuscitated by paramedics in the back of an ambulance before enduring life-threatening open heart surgery.

About Beck’s nomination, fellow Trust board member Mike Brown said: “Steve’s commitment to his beloved York City has been quite remarkable since the Trust’s formation in 2002. He was instrumental in saving the club and worked tirelessly as Trust and club chairman in the club’s darkest hours.

“Despite his ill health in recent years, Steve has shown incredible and unwavering support to club and Trust.

“It’s been a real privilege to work with such a devoted supporter, colleague and friend.

“If our Olympic torch nomination is successful, we hope to arrange for the torch to take a short detour to Bootham Crescent so that Steve can do a lap of honour in front of friends, colleagues, supporters and family at his second home.”

The Trust have also approved Beck’s nomination to the Supporters’ Direct board – a national body aimed at representing the interests of the country’s football fans.

Elections for that post are due next month with Brown adding: “We’re sure Steve’s extensive knowledge of the Supporters’ Trust movement and the issues faced by clubs in crisis will be invaluable around the Supporters’ Direct board table.”

Riccall-based Beck said: “Supporters’ Direct have asked if I would consider standing for election on a number of occasions but, sadly, I had to decline due to ill health.

“Now that I’m fully recuperated, I’m delighted to have another opportunity and to have received the endorsement of my colleagues on the Trust board. It is a real honour and I hope I can make a real difference in the wider Supporters’ Trust movement.

“The nomination as Olympic torchbearer was a real surprise and, if successful, it would be a real privilege to carry the torch on behalf of all York City supporters.

“If we can arrange for the torch to visit Bootham Crescent perhaps it will bring with it the luck of the gods.”