A FUNDRAISER who paddled along the River Thames, despite having no arms and legs, was one of the winners in the recent Pride of Britain awards.
John Willis was surprised by an ITV film crew when they presented him with the honour during an assembly he was giving at an Essex primary school.
He is the founder of Power2Inspire, a disability and inclusion charity. Launched following a triathlon relay in 2013, John was frustrated after being excluded from sports and opportunities as a child, and wants to ensure no one is left on the bench like he was.
To mark its 10th anniversary he paddled 108 miles down the River Thames using an adapted paddle, and this was one of the reasons why he scooped the ITV Regional Fundraiser Award.
“It’s absolutely incredible to be recognised for the work myself and the charity has done of the past 10 years,” he said.
“When I was young, my mother used to tell me I can do anything. I’ve adapted this in later life, and my mantra is ‘I can’t do it… YET’.
“I think it’s really important for our younger generation to know that regardless of their ability or disability, there are ways everyone can be included in sports and no one should be left on the bench like I was.”
He thanked people who supported him over the years saying the charity’s work would not be possible without them.
And on his award, he said: “There are so many wonderful individuals recognised by the Pride of Britain, and its wonderful that I am among them.
“Power2Inspire is the reason I get out of bed in the morning, it means the world to me that the charity is also being spotlighted.”
His colleague, Alex Laybourne, is the CEO of Power2Inspire, and said: “I am beyond thrilled that John has won such a prestigious award. John is an inspiration to us all, and working with him and seeing his dedication over the years has been an honour.
“John serves as a reminder that anything is possible, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
