Nomination for top ‘inspirational sporting figure’

A GAINSBOROUGH teen with disabilities is celebrating after being nominated for a top national charity award.

Jack Hodgson, 15, has been shortlisted for a national award by the deafblind charity Sense, in the category of Young Deafblind Person of the Year.

Jack has Usher Syndrome – a rare genetic condition that means he was born profoundly deaf and is losing his sight as he gets older.

The charity say that he was nominated for ‘being an inspirational sporting figure and showing what deafblind people can achieve’.

Despite having just 10 degrees of remaining vision, Jack is a national judo champion, ranking third in the country against able-bodied competitors and winning a Commonwealth gold medal earlier in the year.

He was also selected to be part of the Paralympics inspiration programme for aspiring young athletes and was even one of Lincolnshire’s torchbearers in the recent Olympic torch relay

“I’ve been busy visiting clubs and schools across Lincolnshire, raising awareness of Usher Syndrome and hopefully inspiring other people my age,” said Jack.”

Sense Chief Executive Gillian Morbey added: “I am delighted that Jack has been nominated.”

“His achievements show what deafblind people can accomplish and this deserves to be celebrated.”