Matt King

Matt deserves this nomination due to his incredible determination to overcome a devastating injury and be an inspiration to all tetraplegics. In 2004, at the age of 17, Matt was playing Rugby League for the London Broncos Academy team when he sustained a horrendous neck injury which left him completely paralysed from the neck down and unable to breathe without a ventilator. This devastating condition is permanent After 8 months in Stoke Mandeville hospital, Matt returned home then, using a powered wheelchair and onboard ventilator, he returned to school to complete his 'A' levels. Subsequently he was accepted by the University of Hertfordshire to study Law. He graduated after 3 years study with a First Class Honours degree and is currently doing further study to enhance his degree. He has been offered employment as a solicitor by 'Stewarts Law' in London from September this year. He is an inspiration to all others with similar injuries and, in his own time, gives counselling to both the patients and their families with similar and lesser injuries at the Spinal Injuries Centre at Stanmore and Stoke Mandeville. Matt as been appointed an Ambasador by the Variety Club, giving talks to help raise money for their 'Easy Rider childrens wheelchair appeals. He has comleted a New York Marathon and two Great North Runs in his powered wheelchair. .