The 82-year-old from Bournemouth, Dorset, has been nominated as an ‘inspirational member of the community’ - and has already clocked up nearly 18,000 fans on the social networking site.
Gordon the Tramp has spent more than 20 years on the streets of his home town, despite the fact he lives in a house, and is known for telling passers-by the exact time even though he doesn't wear a watch.
His fans have also designed and printed ‘Team Gordon’ T-shirts, which are available online for £15 and carry the slogan ‘What time is it? Olympic Torch Time!’.
The hugely popular campaign was launched by cousins Jade Reynolds, 21, and Looby Ratcliffe, 20, both from nearby Poole.
Jade said: ‘The campaign has gone absolutely crazy.
'We have had an amazing response from people - far more than we ever dreamed of.
‘We have been trying really hard to get in contact with the official Olympic people to get Gordon nominated, but we haven't heard anything back.
‘It's a shame - I just wish they'd realise we were being serious. I guess people just don't look at the little guy and think he can do the job.
‘We have spoken to Gordon about the campaign. He is very positive about it, but I don't think he realises quite how many people are behind him.'
Gordon is the star of several YouTube videos capturing his time-telling skills.
He is so popular that his local football club, AFC Bournemouth, let him into matches for free.
The Olympic Torch Relay, which will see 8,000 torch bearers carry the flame for 300 metres each, will take place around the UK from May 19 to July 27 next year.
Proceeds of the Team Gordon T-shirts will be donated to homeless charities.
0 comments:
Post a Comment