Employees and volunteers with the UK charity Greenhouse cheered on yesterday as their chief executive Michael de Giorgio ran through the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham carrying the Olympic flame.

Mr de Giorgio, 55, is a Maltese national who lives in London. He sold his business while it was still thriving and set up Greenhouse, a charity that provides sporting opportunities to the most deprived children in London.

He was one of 8,000 inspirational people chosen to carry the torch throughout the UK.

Speaking after the run yesterday he said:

“Carrying the torch was a truly unforgettable experience and I couldn’t be more happy or proud to have been given the chance.

“But this honour is really one for all Greenhouse to share in and it was fantastic to see so many Greenhouse faces cheering me on.

“There was a huge crowd lining the streets and it was such an honour to take part in this once in a lifetime experience.

“I’d like to thank everyone for the hard work they’ve put in to get us here.”

The Olympic torch will light the Cauldron at the Olympic Stadium this evening, marking the official start of the games.

Lit in Greece, the torch, which represents peace, unity and friendship, has been running through the UK for the past 70 days.