Luke Earley

Luke is a special young man who persuaded and inspired his 61 year old father and 2 friends to cycle 1000k through France in 10 days, raising over £6000 for a centre for severely disabled children and young people. Luke became involved in the centre firstly as a volunteer because there was a need for enthusiastic teenagers who could talk football, play video games and provide appropriate positive friendships. He enjoyed this demanding work and overcame his initial anxiety and fear of the unfamiliar surroundings and young people who needed extra help and patience. On days out he has experienced anger and intolerance at times from the general public who often do not understand disability and rarely experience it. He has dealt with this by being patient and showing how disabled people are entitled to respect and equal opportunities. He has an adopted autistic brother who has made life difficult and embarrassing for him at times. He has never complained about this even when things at home have become almost unbearable and the family have been under extreme pressure.