Mitch Graham

Mitchell is an 18 year old man who was diagnosed profoundly deaf at the age of 3, he regularly surprises his family and friends with his achievements. This diagnosis was made only after a long family struggle with the authorities and several misdiagnoses. He had a difficult start to his educational years with several school changes resulting with a move to mary hare in Newbury, he has obtained house captain and prefect on election by his peers. Mitchell has been living away from home since the age of 12 and has surpassed all expectations both socially and academically. Mitchell is a budding athlete who loves a variety of sports from skiing/snow boarding, mountain biking, football and rugby. In recent years he has been able to embrace his new found passion, basketball which he attends in a hearing environment. Currently playing with the reading rockets he has become a valued member of the team, overcoming the language barrier presented new challenges in which he thrives. He has also been selected for the scottish basketball team and recently selected to attend team GB talent camp. We have recently congratulated him on passing his driving test first time. For Mitchell to carry the olympic torch would be a tribute to the hard work and determination to which he applies to everyday life, it would also be an opportunity to raise the awareness of the large thriving deaf community which exists right here in the UK. Mitchell is an inspiration to young people of all walks of life.