Rupy Kaur"My name is Rupy Kaur, I am 24 years old, and I have Cerebral Palsy. I am the NUS Disabled Students' Officer and I therefore spend my time campaigning over issues facing disabled students attending Higher Education and Further Education colleges all over the UK. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with a wide range of people, including students, charities and MPs, and I feel very compassionate about improving services for young disabled people. I feel truly honoured to be part of the BRIT steering group, and I feel I can use my experience, skills and knowledge to bring disabled activism to a wider audience. A great deal of disabilism occurs through a lack of knowledge, and I believe it is time the public understands and uses the Social Model of Disability.
Rupy Kaur -- Brit YPVSG
Andy Grant“I am currently serving in the Royal Marines and I have been deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. It was while in Afghanistan I was blown up by an Improvised Explosive Device. Some 18 months later I had to make the choice to have my leg amputated or keep it as it hadn’t healed the way I had hoped. I chose the amputation as I want to be able to live life to the full and take up the challenges life has to offer. Working with the BRIT Young People’s Visionary Steering Group I intend to help people make the hard decisions that life sometimes has for Young People just like me.
Andy Grant -- Brit YPVSG
Rebecca Coles"My name is Rebecca Coles. I am 17 and acquired a brain injury in 2008 during a speedboat accident as a result of which I now suffer from a left-sided weakness. I have been involved with The Children's Trust, Tadworth (a brain injury rehabilitation centre for children and young people) since the accident. Working with BRIT Young People's Visionary Steering Group I aim to help and inspire those facing adversity, to give them hope and support and encourage them throughout their lives. I feel honoured to offer my experience and knowledge by being part of BRIT and am looking forward to motivating young people to progress and achieve their full potential."
Rebecca Coles -- Brit YPVSG
Jade Porter“My name is Jade Potter and I was born naturally deaf which is a long term disability. I would describe my hearing as moderate, and I have been part of the hearing and deaf world since I was little. As part of the British Inspiration Trust Young People’s Visionary Steering Group, I intend to offer my support, knowledge and experience to everyone in the country who is experiencing deaf disability like me. Dealing with communication can be complicated and frustrating which is why the BRIT Centre needs to be built for those who need our support. We will provide education, opportunities, inspiration and it could lead to a career for a better future”.
Jade Porter -- Brit YPVSG
Nic Hamilton“My name is Nicolas Hamilton I was born with Cerebral Palsy on 28th March 1992. I have had a lot of obstacles in my life which I fought to overcome. I have not been part of many charities but I aim to inspire people with my determination and to show people that failure is not an option, anything is possible, it is just how much you want it. As part of the BRIT Visionary Steering Group I aim to reach out to those facing adversity and give them hope and to show them what can be achieved if they put their mind to it. I do not see struggle as a disadvantage; I see it as an opportunity to become successful through what you have worked hard for. This is what I would like to teach people, and hopefully with the help of the BRIT Visionary Steering Group I will be able to achieve this. I feel honoured to be able to offer my services by being part of BRIT and am willing to help anyone with the determination to strive for excellence.”
Nic Hamilton -- Brit YPVSG
Arunima MisraMy name is Arunima Misra, I am 24 and I have Para-paresis as a result of a tumour in my spine when I was 3 months old. I am a wheelchair user and have been an Ambassador for the charity Whizz-Kidz since I was 14 years old. As Chairperson of the BRIT Visionary Steering Group I intend to use my own experience, tenacity and determination to give support, guidance and inspiration to young people facing adversities in life which they are finding very difficult to overcome on their own. The BRIT Centre is exactly what is needed in this country to ignite ambition and strength in those young people who need uplifting and I am so proud to be part of the BRIT family. Dealing with, and overcoming Adversity can be so hard without advice and encouragement, and without the help I have had in my own life, I would not be living my own life to the full and making my own choices about my life-path. Not only will the BRIT Centre provide education, opportunities and inspiration, it will be a lifeline for many people who so desperately need it."
Arunima Misra -- Brit YPVSG
Bilal HussainPhil met Andy through
Bilal Hussain -- Brit YPVSG
AdamI am 18 years old, and lost my right leg below the knee at the age of 2. I use an artificial leg to allow me to walk. I am currently training to be an aircraft engineer working on vintage aircraft such as Spitfires and Bleriots. I have taken on many challenges despite my disability including sailing across the North Sea, and reaching the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer in the air cadets. I hope that I can prove to amputees, and people with other problems that when somebody says "you can't do that", you've only lost if you listen to them. My inspiration is Douglas Bader, a WWII fighter ace who lost both legs who's famous quote is "a disabled person who fights back is not disabled, but inspired". I am very excited to be part of something like BRIT and hopes I can bring my experiences to the table. I know the problems that young disabled people face and hope that the BRIT centre can show others that if you want to do something, you probably can.
Adam -- Brit YPVSG
Adrian WheeldonAs part of the BRIT Visionary Steering Group my intentions are to not only help those in need but to inspire those that have sustained injury, have no self believe, have lost the ethusiasim of life and just need that helping hand to find that bit of motivation. Im delighted to be apart of BRIT to offer my life experience, knowledge, motivation and inspiration and support. Im very Proud to of met Phil and see his visions in a Centre that will help those that need it the most. I also certainly believe this will have a very positive input on the community and more importantly change lives.
Adrian Wheeldon -- Brit YPVSG
Emma KentMy name is Emma Kent and I have Holt Oram Syndrome, meaning I have severely shortened abnormally developed arms and a heart defect. My passion is paradressage and I hope to become a medallist at a major championship. As part of this group I would like to provide ideas and inspiration for those young people with disabilities or difficult personal situations in their lives. I like to feel that having a disability would enable these young people to relate with me as I have probably encountered the same difficulties or predjudice in my life. I would like them to see even though I have a disability I will not let it inhibit my dream becoming reality, of becoming a medallist at a major paradressage championship. A centre for those people who are lost in life or have no drive with be healthy for all involved and the population as a whole, as at the end of the day these people are our future. Instead of moaning about 'the youngsters these days' why not do something about it and enable them to change their lives and our future'.
Emma Kent -- Brit YPVSG
Cat BullMy name is Cat Bull, I’m 23, and I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when I was 14. I have been involved with Arthritis Research UK for the last few years, and am dedicated to raising awareness of the disease and its effects, particularly in young people. Despite the condition I am determined to live life to the full, my most recent achievements being completing the London Marathon and reaching the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. I have experienced firsthand the importance of having someone to inspire you, and something to look forward to and give you hope, as this has got me through some dark and lonely times in the past. I am excited to be part of BRIT, which will have a huge impact on young people facing adversity in the UK.
Cat Bull -- Brit YPVSG
Hannah Wilkinson“My name is Hannah Wilkinson. I am 23 and was developed cerebral palsy soon after birth and then developed epilepsy. I have volunteered with a number of charities since leaving higher education, and am currently volunteering as a receptionist 3 days a week for SCOPE HQ”. “As part of The BRIT Visionary Steering Group, I hope to encourage other young people who have life-long disabilities to make the most of their lives”.
Hannah Wilkinson -- Brit YPVSG
Joel JeffersI am 22 years old. I have cerebral palsy and I am a wheelchair user with limited hand functions. My mission would be to encourage even the most disabled to participate in sports and social and cultural activities in which they can gain self-confidence and acceptance in the way of the community. I'm greatly enthused about the BRIT Centre. I know how young disabled people can feel marginalized and can easily lose motivation in an increasingly competitive world. The Centre can encourage and motivate young people to develop themselves to move forward and make their contribution to society.
Joel Jeffers -- Brit YPVSG
Steph Houltby“My name is Step Houltby I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in February 2009 at the age of 25. After 9 months of chemotherapy I am now enjoying being in remission”. “I believe the vision for BRIT is amazing: the aim to support young people with a wide range of needs by inspiring, supporting and offering educational courses which will enhance their lives. I feel honoured to be able to support BRIT and help raise awareness of the fantastic facilities that BRIT will be offering. By being part of the Visionary Steering Group I can offer my own experiences and support to help other young people”.
Steph Houltby -- Brit YPVSG
Luke Dicker‘Hello my name is Luke Dicker and I have Aspergers Syndrome and ADHD as a result of the viral meningitis I fell ill with at 7weeks old. I am a public speaker for my ‘labels’ as my aim is to raise awareness and understanding of what are invisible but very real disabilities which affect every area of the sufferer’s life and often marginalise us from society. To be invited to be part of the BRIT vision is a massive honour for me personally. I can’t think of a better ‘Bang Tidy’ way to inspire other disadvantaged young people than by building a Centre of Excellence to unite all involved to be the best they can, despite the worst life has thrown at them.’
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