Olympic torch travels to Riverside

Published by Roisin Rowley-Smith for Riverside in Communities and also in Education, Housing

Colleagues at Riverside’s head office in Speke took up a photo opportunity to raise the Olympic torch, in a bid to help anti loan shark charity, the Brian Shields Trust.

Riverside tenant, Carol Highton, who runs the Brian Shields Trust, took part in the Halton leg of the Olympic torch bearing trail.  In a bid to raise much needed cash for the charity, which supports victims of loan sharks, she offered her torch to Riverside staff to capture themselves on camera bearing the Olympic flame, in return for a £1 donation -  raising £164 in total.

Carol set up the Brian Shields Trust following the death of her son, who committed suicide, after months of intimidation at the hands of a loan shark and a mountain of crippling debts.  The national charity supports people who are victims of illegal lenders and encourages them to report activity, sometimes leading to arrest and imprisonment.

Carol said:  “Holding the actual Olympic torch seems to have a wonderful effect on people because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and also an amazing piece of history to be able to show and tell your grandchildren.”

Riverside’s group director Ronnie Clawson added:  “Illegal lenders can blight our neighbourhoods, creating intimidation and fear that goes right to the heart of communities. We are delighted to support Carol and the amazing work she does to stamp out loan sharks.”