Award for student who was never beaten by disability

The determination and hard work of a disabled Derby schoolboy has earned him a national award. Shazan Suleman has been received a Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for the inspiration he has shown. His approach to life and his efforts to overcome adversity led teachers at Woodlands Community School to nominate him for the award.

Shazan, 15, was born with the genetic condition distal arthrogryposis, which affects the joints in his legs, feet, hands and arms.

Head teacher Alan Brady, said: "His brother died just before Shazan joined the school in 2002. Not only has he had to overcome his grief, he has also had to deal with dislocating his shoulders on a number of occasions and with being escorted by a teaching assistant from the moment he arrives at school in the morning until the time he leaves in the afternoon. Shazan has been a role model for other disabled students at school. He has also been academically successful, achieving an early GCSE in statistics at the end of year 10."

Mr Brady, pictured, added: "He has developed socially from a child who rarely spoke with other children and adults into a young man who is confident in taking a lead in group activities in class. He takes part in all aspects of school life and participates in PE sessions despite his physical disabilities. Shazan has determination to overcome his disabilities and works hard to achieve academically."

Mr Brady presented Shazan with his award in front of his year group during assembly at the school in Blenheim Drive, Allestree.

Modest Shazan, who is also a student librarian, said there were people far worse off than him.

He said: "Nobody's life is perfect. I was born with a disability which puts a constraint on my ability but I don't think about it. Whenever I look at my life I consider it a gift and I treasure it. I have never frozen due to an obstacle but when I'm approaching it I think about how I should get to the other side of it. I think I got the award for my 110 per cent effort to show you can make the most of your life."

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Awards launched nationally in April 2000 to celebrate the outstanding contributions by students to their schools and communities