Trainer David is an 'inspiration'

An "inspirational" disabled man has won an award for helping others achieve their dreams.

David Codd, of Rowlatts Hill, Leicester, picked up the Leicestershire First Volunteering Award for his work training disabled people to become sports coaches.

The 31-year-old suffers from photosensitive epilepsy, which has also left him with arthritis and learning difficulties following accidents caused by fits.

But he never let his disabilities stop him from pursuing his love for sport, and volunteered as a football coach in his 20s.

Three years ago, David set up Leicestershire Buddies to give other disabled people the support to become sports coaches.

David has now supported nearly 100 people and his efforts have won him a Leicestershire First award and £3,000, which he will use to expand the scheme.

David said: "It's one of those things where you don't realise how much you've achieved, but it's made me very proud. We can now use the funding to move on to bigger things."

David set up the Leicestershire Buddies scheme with Becky Moss, sports development officer for Leicestershire County Council.

David said: "It wasn't just me, it's down to her as well."

Becky, who has cerebral palsy, is now secretary of the scheme, and nominated David for the award.

She said: "David has done an incredible amount of work, all unpaid, because he believes so passionately in sports for everyone.

Three years ago, there were hardly any disabled people leading sports sessions in the county – now, with the help of Buddies, there are 65."

Maurice Thompson, the High Sheriff of Leicestershire, who runs the Leicestershire First Awards in partnership with Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, presented David with his award.

He said: "The panel had a very difficult decision choosing just one overall winner.

"We finally selected David because of his invaluable work giving disabled people the chance to become sports leaders."

Gwen Braden and Margaret Watts, volunteers at the Kathleen Rutland Home for the Blind, in Leicester Forest East, were runners-up .

Nominations are currently being sought for the Citizenship Award for an individual who has promoted the values, responsibilities and benefits of good citizenship. The deadline is Friday, March 26, go to:

www.leicestershirefirst.org.uk