Hi my name is Matthew, I was born with Cerebral Palsy but my disability does not prevent me from participating in as many sports as possible including; wheelchair basketball, trampolining, multi sports and horse riding. Whether it is actively participating, assisting with training or offering support from the side-lines, I always find a way to get involved.

I was not very academic at school even though I tried really hard, but I have always been passionate about sport so in year 9 when I had to choose my options, I chose to do a BTEC level 2 diploma in sport and although I was predicted to fail, I achieved a distinction. Since then I have gone on to achieve distinctions at level 3 and in June achieved the same in my Higher National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science.

I never thought I would be capable of going to University, but in September I started at the University of East London where I hope to convert my HND into a full BSc (Hons) degree. It has been and remains a real struggle and challenge but doing something which is linked to sport has shown me what I am capable of achieving.

I was also lucky enough to do a week’s work experience at the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and did a weekly placement for 8 weeks with the Epping Forest Sport and Health Development Team for my HND.

If I could inspire just one person to get involved then I would be happy.