When David Barron carries the Commonwealth Games baton it will be the culmination of a life battling against the odds.

The 75-year-old from Urmston has survived a host of misfortunes which would have proved too much for most people.

As a small boy, David, an orphan, was rescued from a cruel foster-mother and then shut away in an institution near York because no one knew what to do with him.

After a quarter of a century of incarceration, including more cruelty and sexual abuse, he was finally released in 1961, unable to read or write.

He suffered nervous breakdowns and suicide attempts, a disastrous marriage before his heroic struggle to rebuild his life against the odds.

Experiences

David, who has a learning disability, wrote a book about his life called A Price To Be Borne and has lectured in universities and colleges about his experiences.

Now in a wheelchair, David is looking forward to carrying the baton as it makes it way to the City of Manchester Stadium for the opening Games ceremony in July.

David, said: ''This came as a great surprise to me but it is a great honour. I am very proud to be representing my country in the relay.

''It's a wonderful feeling, especially as I was shut away in an institution for so many years.''

He was nominated by Andrea Boswell-Moore who is Mencap's district officer.

She said: ''David had lived in an institution for most of his life before living independently. He is a brilliant example of someone who has achieved a great deal against the odds.''