Andrew is an inspiration to others (From Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News)

Andrew is an inspiration to others

10:30am Wednesday 8th April 2009 in News By David Hemming

EAST Huntspill man Andrew Wall has seen his determination to beat crippling brain injury pay off after he was crowned a winner in a competition to celebrate learners who have defied the odds.

The Weekly News reported last week how Andrew, 43, who suffered carbon monoxide poisoning in 1997, is helping to turn other peoples' lives around who have suffered similar injuries.

He has set up his own company at his farm in East Huntspill and also runs the BIRST project, which is designed to inspire and support others with brain injuries to gain an education.

Last week Andrew was named as winner in the Inspiring Others to Learn category at the 2009 Champions of Learning Awards at a ceremony in Taunton hosted by athletics legend Steve Cram.

He was nominated by Jenny Perks from Somerset Skills and Learning who hailed Andrew as an 'inspiration'.

She said: “Andrew was ill for many years following his accident but feels he has developed over the years and now carries out a great deal of one to one support and mentoring for the clients to help them develop life skills.

“He now offers hope and inspiration to others that live life with a brain injury.”

Andrew added: “I am delighted with the award, not only for myself, but for everyone else who has helped make all this possible.

“It is great to be recognised for these achievements - I want to dispel the myth of people with brain injuries and show what we can achieve.”

Andrew now goes through to enter the South West Skills Awards later this month.