VOLUNTEERS are needed to ensure the celebrations go off without a hitch when the Olympic torch comes to town.

One person who has already come forward for the task on May 23 is Norman Butler, who is also one of the official torchbearers.

The council needs 100 people to help on the big day.

Norman, of Westlea, said: “I’m thrilled to be a torchbearer and want to be involved when the flame comes to Swindon. It’s a great opportunity to be part of such an exciting event.”

The 47-year-old has been volunteering and has embarked on all sorts of athletic feats to raise more than £20,000 for good causes over the past 15 years.

But he has not always led such an active lifestyle and it was an Olympic champion who inspired him to change.

“I was watching rowing legend Steve Redgrave win gold in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics on TV. It put my state of fitness to shame. At the time I weighed 18 stone, smoked 40 a day and drank like a fish,” he said.

“I had a successful career as a finance manager but it was taking its toll on my health.

“I got out of breath just walking up the stairs and realised things had to change.”

He joined a gym and began helping out at a social club for people with learning difficulties.

He said: “I lost six stone in six months and felt brilliant.

“I replaced all my bad habits with good ones and couldn’t get enough of it. I was a different person – so much more confident and energised.”

Determined to share his enthusiasm, Norman started volunteering at the SMASH youth project, which helps disadvantaged young people fulfil their dreams and potential.

“My motivation has always been seeing the difference you can make,” he said.

“I did it with myself and now I enjoy reaching out to others who may, like me, have lacked self-belief and never put themselves forward in the past.”

Over the years Norman has run marathons, completed triathlons, fought in a boxing ring and even rowed across the Atlantic, pushing himself to new limits and raising funds for charities such as SMASH on the way.

“That’s what is so exciting – this year I won’t just be watching the Olympics on TV, I’ll be actively involved,” he said. “I don’t see it as volunteering – to me, it’s having fun and meeting interesting people.”

Volunteers are needed at Wharf Green, where scores of people will be gathering to watch the festivities planned around the Big Screen, and also along the torch relay route.

They will help with a variety of tasks including stewarding, crowd management support, giving information to the public and litter picking.

There are also lots of Olympic-themed events planned during the summer.

For more information about all the Olympic events email Torchrelayvolun teers@swindon.gov.uk.