MEDIA CALL: Worldwide torch relay and special awards at Eden, Thursday, June 30, 9.45am

June 28, 2011

What:

Global torch relay the World Harmony Run will carry its torch to the Eden Project and present a special award to its chief executive Tim Smit, managing director Gaynor Coley, and Ken Radford of the People and Gardens programme.

The World Harmony Run is described as "one of the world’s largest and most enduring grassroots efforts for peace" and has visited more than 140 nations over the last three decades.

Earlier this month international runners started a torch relay from John O’Groats and will visit Eden on Thursday, June 30, before finishing at Land’s End two days later.

At Eden the World Harmony Run will pass the torch and present the Torch Bearer Award, given to those who have inspired their communities, to:

• Tim Smit, Eden’s chief executive and co-founder, ‘for his major contribution to changing the world into one where, in his own words, "plants provide a canvas on which we can paint an optimistic future."’

• Gaynor Coley, Eden’s managing director, ‘for her invaluable contributions in steering the Eden Project to be such a success and making dreams become a reality and for leading the strategy to extend Eden’s influential environmental brand and programmes across the world. In her words: “Finding a better balance with nature is a big issue and it is urgent. Eden wants to be part of the solution, not just for the UK but across the globe.”

• Ken Radford, founder of People and Gardens, ‘for running the People and Gardens project where he has made a real difference to people’s lives and assisted people with learning disabilities and mental health issues to develop work and social skills to enable them to take control of their own lives. The thought of the project is one where “it’s not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain.”’

The World Harmony Run torch has been held by many prominent people including Lord Sebastian Coe and the Olympic runner Paula Radcliffe. Her Majesty the Queen held the torch at the VE Day celebrations in 1995 and used it to light the Beacon in Hyde Park.

For more information, go to www.worldharmonyrun.org

When:

9.45am, Thursday, June 30

 

Where:

Eden Project Gallery – please come to the main Visitor Centre entrance (not the Foundation Building)

Contact:

Angelina Lambourn 01726 811941 or 07738 077818 or alambourn@edenproject.com