Crayford GP volunteers at Paralympic opening ceremony (From News Shopper)

Crayford GP volunteers at Paralympic opening ceremony

11:20am Tuesday 4th September 2012 in News By Kelly Smale

A CRAYFORD GP says taking part in the Paralympic opening ceremony in front of 80,000 people gave him a "massive buzz".

Dr Ricky Gondhia, who has worked at Crayford Town Surgery, in Crayford Road, Crayford, for more than a year, was encouraged to apply to take part in the historic event by his sister.

He told News Shopper: "It was my sister who applied, she was one of the girls holding a country's team name.

"By chance I went along to an audition and just loved it and got in."

The 33-year-old attended 15 to 20 rehearsals in preparation for the ceremony on August 29.

Dr Gondhia said: "It was difficult to juggle rehearsals but worth it.

"It's something I have never done before and probably will never do again. It's a fun thing to look back on and be a part of."

Dr Gondhia took part in the "enlightenment" section which was opened by Professor Stephen Hawking.

He wore a fluorescent rain coat and danced with an umbrella with around 600 other volunteers.

Dr Gondhia said: "I made lots of mates and had a massive buzz walking out in front of 80,000 people.

"I have no regrets."

The Bexley NHS employee also worked as a GP in Greenwich Park during the Olympics as part of the equestrian team.

He said: "It was really good but I had to take annual leave so that was my holiday for the year.

"There was lots to do, a woman went into labour, there were lots of blisters and people with chest pain."