Leominster Olympic torch carrier's father dies of cancer at 63

Roger Baxter, from Leominster, was given just three months to live after being diagnosed with the disease in June 2009. Mr Baxter's diagnosis three years ago prompted his sons, Jordan and Dane, to help raise awareness of the illness and to try to find a bone marrow match for their poorly father.

Jordan collected more than £10,000 for the Anthony Nolan Trust by running the London Marathon in April 2011 and his brother Dane was so proud of his achievements that he nominated him to carry the Olympic Torch when it passed through Leominster in May.

Jordan was accepted and carried the flame through his home town after receiving it from former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies as his proud father looked on.

The brothers also arranged a drop-in session to increase donors on the Anthony Nolan Trust register.

During the past few weeks Dane has donated blood stem cells in London after he was paired with a 'mystery adult female' through the Anthony Nolan Trust.

He said he had agreed to the procedure to raise awareness of the need for more people to sign up to help people in need. Doctors used a new method which had reduced the time needed for the procedure to one day.

He hopes to meet the patient he has helped.

Dane said his father had set goals for himself before he died on August 26.

"The torch relay was very emotional," said Dane. "Dad was very proud.

"He had his goals. He wanted to see Jordan run the marathon, then he wanted to see him carry the torch through Leominster.

"He also wanted to see the Olympics, which he did. He loved it."

The family has thanked all the doctors and nurses who helped Mr Baxter for the last three years.

They also paid tribute to the staff at the ITU unit at Hereford County Hospital, who were 'marvellous' during Mr Baxter's last days.

Mr Baxter's funeral will take place on September 10 at 1pm at Leominster Priory Church for friends and family. He is survived by his sons and his wife Susan.

By Karen Evans