Will Hardy

Will is an inspiration to me everyday. When he was 23 months old Will had meningitis, resulting in having both legs and half his left arm amputated. Will didn't let this deter him from swimming and by 2009, Will joined a school swimming club, from which he was identified for a disability talent ID day and it was recommended he joined Gosforth Dolphins. It was evident that William was a fantastic swimmer and within 3 months he was a National Champion. Will is now in the 2011 British Disability Swimming World Class Talent Programme. As Will watched his brother become more involved in cricket, he set his sights on becoming a junior player at Newcastle Wasps Cricket Club. Cricket hasn't come as naturally to Will though with regular practice Will can now bat and bowl very effectively. He is a valued member of the club and well liked and respected within the club. Will regularly plays for this mainstream team, recently captaining the side and successfully playing wearing his blades rather than prosthetic legs. In both sports Will has thrived in a mainstream environment, first school and then in mainstream club environment.