Paralympian fencer inspires students
A MULTIPLE GB fencing champion and Paralympian dropped in to Tytherington School on a campaign trail to talk about his experiences.
Adrian Derbyshire came to speak to year eight students at the school as part of his campaign, entitled ‘Community outreach to stamp out stigma, bullying and hate crime’.
He gave a motivational speech to them about his perseverance after being told he had just five days to live following a brain haemorrhage 10 years ago.
It was after this life-changing event that Adrian became a Paralympic fencer.
He told students of the motto he uses: “Inspire, Believe, Succeed.”
He also shared his own experiences of hate crime and bullying, something he is campaigning to raise awareness of through his visits to different schools.
Students were inspired by the moving story of Adrian’s journey to the Olympics.
They were also delighted to witness firsthand the Olympic flame, which Adrian brought over from Greece after being a torch bearer for the 2012 Olympics.
Pupils at the school also had the opportunity to try on Adrian’s medals, his fencing costume and to carry both the torch and the flame lantern themselves.
Emmanuel Botwe, headteacher, said: “This really is a fantastic opportunity for all our students.
“Adrian’s story is just remarkable.
“It inspires us all to be the very best that we can be.”
The visit took place as part of a series of days the school calls ROSE Days (Respect Others, Self and the Environment), where students are asked to reflect on their contribution to the community.
Pupils have taken part in a range of activities including cake sales, sponsored runs and car washes.
All the events together have raised more than £1,000 for a range of charities.