Cole Burrell

A young Dagenham trampoliner, who feared his place in the Olympic Ceremony would be taken away, is preparing for his big night.

Cole Burrell, of Grafton Road, is one of the thousands of people taking part in the £27million extravaganza at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford this evening.

Last month, Mum, Claire, thought her son might lose his spot in the trampoline performance because their GP surgery said it could take up to five weeks to produce a required medical certificate for the boy.

But after the Post intervened NHS bosses fast-tracked an appointment and Cole received the note in time.

Speaking to the Post today Claire said: “I saw him perform at a rehearsal on Wednesday and it was so unbelieavable. Just talking about it makes my hairs stand on end. I got really emotional, partly because Cole was performing, but also the atmosphere was incredible.”

Claire, who will watch the ceremony at home with other family members, said Cole is pretty calm about tonight’s performance.

“He’s just taking it all in his stride. I don’t think the enormity of it will hit him for a couple of years. It’s an amazing thing to be part of - I’m so glad his place wasn’t taken away.”