Jonathan Brittle

Jonathan has inspired both myself and others around him.He was due to start school in September 2001 however following a routine heart operation, complications developed resulting in brain injury.Due to the severity of his condition medical experts felt it was unlikely that Jonathan would cope with mainstream school or achieve GCSEs.However Jonathan overcame serious physical disabilities through perseverance and hard work. He also strove to recover mentally, developing strategies to combat his short term memory loss, enabling him to return to mainstream school and embark on GCSEs and A levels.Despite many setbacks and disappointments,Jonathan's grit and determination meant that he eventually left school, and achieved his ultimate goal of university.During his time at school he inspired pupils and staff, to persevere at all costs.He inspired his peers by encouraging them to nurture and support each other, and to have empathy with others undergoing physical and mental challenges. In 2004 Jonathan won the Diana Memorial Award for students who make a real difference to the community and who have succeeded against the odds.In 2010 he achieved a foundation degree in Sports Management and has used his skills as a volunteer,mentoring underpriviliged children in inner city Birmingham.Despite continuing medical challenges,Jonathan maintains his optimism and always looks to make positive contributions to his community.He is a most worthy and outstanding candidate for torchbearing.