EXTRAORDINARY people
Oliver Poulter was born with a degenerative eye condition that gradually leads to a loss of sight. The Year 10 pupil at Whitworth Community High School in Lancashire uses a cane to get around school and is also learning Braille.
But despite his disability, Oliver, 14, is a keen performer and throws himself into his dance lessons, unfazed by trips or falls.
And his incredible efforts have seen him pick up a top gong at this year’s Aspiration Awards, a national celebration created by educational charity NCFE, where he was named Against All Odds winner.
Oliver says: “I enjoy just being me and being able to dance in front of other people.
“It was quite a young age, around five, I started dancing at the local dance studio and I carried on from there doing more and more.
“Even though I do have struggles with my eyesight, school has been really helpful. It’s not just about me, it’s about other people as well that are always positive towards me, and I appreciate people that are always there and that are positive.
“It felt nice to know that people are more aware of it now and that my brother, who’ll be joining in a couple of years – he’s also blind – will have resources and he will have more help around the school.
“It’s nice to know that there’s more for people with visual impairments.”
Alex White, Drama and Performing Arts Teacher at Whitworth Community High School, said: “Oliver is a pleasure to teach, and I think people underestimate how difficult things are for him as he presents himself so well.
“I’m absolutely delighted that he’s been recognised with this award, which shows him we really value his effort and his attitude to life.
“He is someone who we could all learn a lesson from.”