In 2022, I had the chance to do something I will never forget. I was chosen to carry the Queen’s Baton as part of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and even now I still feel proud when I think about it.

It all started when I was nominated. I think it was my friend Steve Nash, who worked for Birmingham City Council, who put my name forward. After that, I received an email asking if I wanted to go ahead with it. I said yes straight away, because I knew it would be something really special. Not long after, I found out I had been selected. They asked for my kit size and then sent my Commonwealth Games kit through the post. That made it feel very real.

On the day, I went to Walmley Golf Club for a briefing. I met Ama Ogbeze (pictured – left), England Netball Captain from Birmingham who won gold with England in 2018. She was really nice, and it was exciting to meet someone who had achieved so much in sport.

After the briefing, I travelled in an official Commonwealth Games car to Pype Hayes Park in Erdington. They showed me where I needed to stand and explained what would happen. I waited for the previous baton bearer to arrive, and then he passed the Baton over to me.

When I started running with it, I felt like a celebrity. There were security guards around me, and my family and friends were there watching, cheering and clapping. I remember feeling really happy and proud. It was amazing to be part of something so big, especially in Birmingham.

I was the last person to carry the Baton in Pype Hayes Park before it left the park and continued on its way towards the Opening Ceremony at Alexander Stadium. Knowing that made the moment feel even more special. The Baton had travelled through communities across the Commonwealth, and inside it was a message from the late Queen, which made it feel even more important to be part of its journey. I was part of its final journey through Birmingham on the day the Games began.

The Commonwealth Games gave me more than one special memory. I also volunteered during the Games, helping out with table tennis at the NEC. People could come and have a go, practise their serves and see how fast they could hit the ball. I helped with that, and I also got to watch some of the table tennis because I had accreditation.

I also went to watch the boxing at the NEC with my brother. It was brilliant to see the athletes compete, and I especially enjoyed watching Delicious Orie, who is from Birmingham and won gold for England. The atmosphere was really good, and I loved being part of it.

A year later, I was interviewed by Daz Hale at BBC WM at the charity shop where I work about carrying the Baton, and that was another great experience. It helped me share my story with more people.

Looking back, carrying the Queen’s Baton was one of the best things I have ever done. It made me proud to show what people with learning disabilities and autism can do when they are given opportunities. I enjoyed every minute of it, and I will always remember that day.

The main picture shows Nick with his mum Judith, dad Chris and brother Tom