Ian Powell

Ian is a twenty-five year old young man with Spina Bifida who is confined to a wheelchair. However this does not stop him enjoying life to the full. You never see Ian down, he always has a massive grin on his face and he brightens the room when he wheels in! During his life he has been given a fifty-fifty chance of dying and been on a life support machine in intensive care on two occassions. He has been in hospital nearly every year of his life and is currently attending his local GP every day of the week. He sets an example to us all in respect of getting on with it. Last year despite his situation he raised £1500 by organising a quiz for a local centre who supported people with disabilities (Dial House) He has also given a great deal of his free time, weekly over three years, coaching and supporting the junior section of his local wheelchair basketball team. Last year Ian found suitable accomodation and moved out of the family home. He is very independent and copes admirably, apart from his mum doing his washing and ironing! He never lets his disability stop him doing what he wants, this includes absailing down a viaduct and going on his own to the U.S. His strength of character is admirable uplifting and inspiring and to be a torch bearer would give him a massive thrill.