by Alan McGuinness

Olympics boss Lord Coe has been asked if he can help marathon man Jack Denness become a part of sporting history when the Olympic Torch Relay passes through Medway.

Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless has written to the peer and double gold medallist to see if there is any way Jack (left) can be a torchbearer in July – when the flame will go through Chatham, Gillingham and Rochester.

Jack, of Canon Close, Rochester, applied for the role last year, but was told he had not gained a place.

Mr Reckless decided to take up Jack’s case after being contacted by the Medway Messenger.

In the letter Mr Reckless writes: “Mr Denness is seen as a pillar of his community and would dearly love to be able to take part, and I should stress that Mr Denness did not contact me directly to make this plea.

“Mr Denness epitomises the Olympic ideal in terms of his selflessness and dedication in helping others.

"I can honestly think of nobody more suited to represent my constituency during the Torch Relay than Mr Denness.”

The Rochester pensioner has raised more than £100,000 for charity after running ultramarathons across the world.

He has run the 135-mile Death Valley run in California at least a dozen times, becoming the oldest competitor to complete the ultimate test of endurance, and the 155-mile Sahara Race.

Last year he was crowned the winner of the Pride in Medway awards. Mr Denness is grateful for Mr Reckless’ intervention.

He said: “It’s good news, it shows someone cares. A lot of people have been asking me 'what’s happened here?’ But that’s the way it goes.”

The Towns’ moment of Olympic glory will come a week before the opening ceremony on Friday, July 27. The torch will make its way through Medway after an overnight stop in Maidstone. It will then go to Higham and Gravesend.