PLANS for a £2,000 commemorative stone recognising the achievement of St Stephen's Paralympic hero are taking shape.
On the first anniversary of that incredible gold medal win by Jonathan Fox, St Stephen-in-Brannel chiefs have agreed to a permanent tribute to his record-breaking 100-metre backstroke S7 finish at the Games.
The parish council wants to install the 1 tonne stone on the main thoroughfare through the village.
The stone will also honour the individuals who carried the Olympic Torch through the village in the run-up to the international spectacle.
Verna Hedley, parish council clerk, said it seemed a fitting manner in which to recognise the accomplishments of last year.
Mrs Hedley said a planning application has been submitted to Cornwall Council and the parish is now awaiting the authority's decision.
Jonathan, who has cerebral palsy, started swimming for therapy at St Austell. He later joined the Newquay Cormorants where he honed his champion ability under former coach Phil Goldman.
If granted, the stone will be engraved with the names of brave boy Garvey Evans, Revis Crowle, James Ross and Val Hawken, who carried the Olympic Torch through the town.
On the other side it will read: "In recognition of Jonathan Fox – Gold Medal Winner and World Record Holder at the Paralympic Games 2012."
Mrs Hedley said the symbol, which could cost in total up to £2,000, would provide a "lasting legacy" for the parish.
"It was a once-in-a-lifetime thing and to have a local boy achieve what he did, the council felt it needed that recognition."
The parish council hopes Jonathan would be able to unveil the stone, depending on his schedule.
A postbox painted gold in honour of Jonathan's accomplishment also continues to act as a reminder of Jonathan's success.
In November the Cornish Guardian revealed that Royal Mail chiefs had agreed it should remain gold after a request from the community.
Royal Mail said that the letter sent by the parish council on behalf of Brannel School had been a "contributing factor".
