RUISLIP teenager James Hillier has been named Panathlon’s 2018 Outstanding Achiever for his infectious enthusiasm for sport in the face of severe and complex disabilities.

Panathlon is the charity that each year gives more than 17,500 children with disabilities and special needs the opportunity to engage in competitive sport.

The annual Jack Petchey Foundation Outstanding Achievement awards recognise Panathlon’s top achievers across London and Essex.

The ceremony took place at John Lewis Stratford City and 16-year-old Uxbridge college student James left with the top honour.

James suffered quadriplegia and cerebral palsy from birth. In 2008, he was diagnosed with epilepsy but, thanks to medication, has not had a seizure for four years.

Consigned to a wheelchair, he benefitted from physio sessions and an exercise plan which he did with a teaching assistant at Ruislip High School. He joined in with PE lessons whenever possible, discovering a passion for trampolining.  

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It was at Panathlon competitions where James’ confidence really began to soar. He took part in the powerchair slalom, beanbag throwing and athletics races.

He later became team cheerleader and helped with planning trips to competitions, even designing his own banner for the school’s Panathlon team. Now physically more adept and outgoing, he enjoys horse riding and has joined the Brunel wheelchair basketball club. 

“I’m incredibly proud of James,” said his mum, Yvonne. “He has great determination and loves to try different things. He’s always up for a challenge and he’s got no fear.”

James was nominated for the award by Janet Edwards, a teacher at Ruislip High, which he left last summer to study at Uxbridge College.