Olympic torchbearer in desperate search for new cheerleading base (From St Helens Star)

Olympic torchbearer in desperate search for new cheerleading base

9:36am Thursday 14th February 2013 in News By Stephen Mather, Senior reporter

A YOUNG woman who helped inspire the Olympic spirit in the town when she took part in the torch relay last summer is looking for a new base for her cheerleading school.

Natalie Corrigan was one of the lucky few who carried the torch prior to the London 2012 Olympics, on a wave of optimism and hope.

She is the principal and co-founder of Jem Xtreme, forced to leave their base at Mega Mart following the news of its closure.

The 23-year-old from Thatto Heath, who gets married on Sunday (February 17), has been scouring for venues across the town.

But Natalie is finding it difficult to find a permanent home. An attempt to go into one of the new units on College Street was knocked back, because it was difficult getting suitable planning permission.

Mum Barbara, who helps run the group said there is a sense of frustration: “We should be investing in our young people. Natalie has around 100 children with her at the moment and their parents have been supportive. We were gutted following the news about Mega Mart. She’s only been out of there for two weeks.

“Natalie and her husband-to-be put a lot of investment into their base at Mega Mart. Even the parents have held collections.

“But it’s not just about Natalie. There were other businesses in there. Natalie is working hard to find somewhere because they just want somewhere to call home.”