Thousands of Londoners will make the journey to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, but one man had a special reason for being there.

East London Advertiser: Emdad RahmanEmdad Rahman (Image: Emdad Rahman)

Emdad Rahman, who works and volunteers in Tower Hamlets, was selected to participate in the Queen’s Baton Relay.

He carried the baton 300 metres from the Royal Botanical Gardens yesterday, cheered on by crowds from the street.

Father-of-three Emdad, who lives in Barking, said: “It was a really surreal experience.

“Everybody was really friendly, from the crowds to the police officers.

“People were coming up with babies to have their photos taken.”

The local government officer, 38, was one of 4,000 batonbearers to take part in the 40-day tour around Scotland.

He added: “I’d love to go back to Glasgow - it’s a really nice place.”

“I haven’t got tickets to the Games though, because I’ve got work and my volunteering.”

Emdad, who is involved with caring for homeless people and coaching sport in both Tower Hamlets and Barking and Dagenham, does not know who put his name forward for a role in the relay.

“I got an email saying I had been nominated to take part,” he said.

“It was a real honour to be recognised for what I do.”

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