Warrington Disability Partnership's Faces of the Future

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TWO young people who have overcome challenging times in their lives have been heralded as the “faces of the future” at Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP).
Former soldier Tom Coleridge, 22, who was seriously injured in Afghanistan in July 2010 and Naomi Cheetham, 24, who graduated last year with a degree in social work despite battling discrimination due to cerebral palsy, are now both employed by the charity after previously taking on voluntary roles.
Tom, who works as a Disability Information officer, helping update the Warrington Access Guide and Naomi, who works as an administrator, both won awards at the charities annual general meeting. Tom was voted “Best Newcomer” while Naomi came runner up for the personel development award.
Congratulating them on their awards WDP Chairman Dave Thompson said: “I see these two outstanding young people as the faces of the future of our organisation.”
Tom who lives at Chapelford, was just 18 when he signed up to the 1st Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in June 2009. Just over a year later he was part of a patrol which was attacked and he was shot through his abdomen, stomach and spine.
Despite being seriously injured Tom continued to return fire ensuring the safety of his colleagues.
Although he was lucky to survive, his life changed forever.
He underwent a series of life saving surgeries to repair the damage to his vital organs but has lost his right kidney, his spleen, and suffered severe
liver damage. The bullet also caused irreversible damage to his spinal cord.
He said: “Getting a job at WDP has changed my life and given me a reason for getting up every day. I feel really honoured and overwhelmed to have won an award and been told that I am a face for the future of such a great organisation.”
Meanwhile Naomi, who first started as a volunteer with WDP in 2006, is keen to raise awareness about the help and support on offer after suffering discrimination because of her condition.
“Working for WDP gives me a great deal of satisfaction. I faced a lot of barriers while going through university because of my cerebral palsy but I was determined to pass, even though I had to study for an extra year.
“I want to make sure people with disabilities are not discriminated against when they have so much to give back to society.”
If you would like to volunteer for WDP or find out more about the organisation call 01925 240064 or visit www.disabilitypartenrship.org.uk


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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