A DETERMINED Rugby teenager who is not letting his disability prevent him from achieving in life has received the Mayor’s Special Appreciation Award.
Tommy Lloyd, 19, works as a trainee accountant for the Transforming Lives Educational Trust (TLET) at Houlton School, and volunteers as a governor for Hilmorton Primary School – despite gradually losing his mobility as a result of Muscular Dystrophy.
His inspirational story caught the attention of Mayor Barbara Brown, who presented him with the award at Houlton School.
Tommy, who was diagnosed with the muscle wasting condition when he was just six, wants to encourage youngsters to believe they can achieve their dreams.
He said: “It’s hard for young people anyway, let alone people with a disability. You have to focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t.
“My life is a challenge physically and mentally so being able to work on something I really enjoy is important and motivating for me.
“I would say to anyone who feels like they can’t achieve, they can – they just need to find something they enjoy and focus on that.”
The former Henry Hinde and Ashlawn School pupil said he was very excited to be given the opportunity to train as an accountant – something he’d always wanted to do.
Tommy says he loves his job and the people he works with as a trainee accountant at Houlton School. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2825003MMR4
On receiving the Mayor’s award, he said: “I felt proud that I was doing a good job. I love my job and the people I work with, and I feel grateful to be given the opportunity. I felt happy I was recognised by the Mayor as valued member of the team.”
He took on the role as a governor at Hillmorton Primary because he wanted to make a difference to all children – but especially those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
He said: “I want to make the school experience better for children with disabilities. I know how hard it is to go through the school system with a disability.
“I like to have an input into strategic decisions. Even though I’m young, I’m listened to and my experience and views taken onboard.
“Primary is where the majority of children who have SEND needs are identified, so it’s really important they get help as early as possible.”
Mayor Barbara Brown said Tommy was ‘a true inspiration’.
She added: “His determination to overcome the challenges he faces every day is matched by his ambition to make a positive difference to the world, both through his work at TLET and his voluntary role as a governor at Hillmorton Primary School.
“He’s an amazing example of what can be achieved through passion and positivity, and really represents the best of Rugby.”
Tommy’s mum Hayley said she was ‘bursting with pride’ when he received the award.
She added: “It was such a boost for Tommy – he never stopped smiling.
“The mayor was fantastic and talked with such pride about Tommy. She’s also keen to learn more about how TLET and Tommy have worked so well together so other employers can replicate this for other disabled people.”
She said it was a shock when he was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy.
“I was told my young child’s muscles would waste away and he would use a wheelchair by his mid teens. It was like all my dreams about his future were taken away in that moment.
“Over the years Tommy’s mobility has worsened and it’s hard to see him unable to do things he was once able to do.”
But she is now ‘in awe’ of how hardworking, caring and positive he is.
“I’m so proud of Tommy and everything he’s achieved. I see how hard daily things are for him just moving around but he finds the motivation to carry on.
“He’s always wanted to be an accountant – he loves spreadsheets – so to get this position has been fantastic, I couldn’t be happier.
“He deserves the opportunity to fulfil his dreams, just like anyone else.”
Tommy is encouraging young people to become a school governor and make a difference. Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/becomeagovernor for more information.
