When Edward Met Harry

11/05/2009

Edward Common, of Low Ardley farm, near Corbridge, Northumberland, was named Outstanding Achievement award winner at the Woman's Own Children of Courage awards at Westminster Abbey.

Edward was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in 2006 and was told he would be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Edward's mother Lorna, 44, said: "When he had to use a wheelchair full-time he was devastated. Every night when I put him to bed he'd look at me and just cry.”

Focus
In a bid to keep Edward focused Lorna contacted the Percy Hedley Foundation in Newcastle, a charity that aims to make sport accessible for disabled people.  They introduced him to wheelchair football.

Edward began playing in 2006 and progressed from junior teams to the national league, then playing for England and representing his country at the 2007 World Cup tournament in Japan.

Lorna Common added: "He's a different person. Before wheelchair football he was struggling to find a way forward. But through sheer determination and hard work he has not only triumphed over his disability but also proved that nothing can hold him back."

Edward was honoured by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Prince Harry at a grand lunch at the House of Lords with nine other winners. 

Lorna said: “Prince Harry was absolutely lovely. He chatted to Edward about his wheelchair and what he was getting off Santa for Christmas.”

For more information available to disabled people and their families from the Percey Hedley Foundation contact:

The Percy Hedley Foundation
Hampeth Lodge
Station Road
Forest Hall
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE12 8YY

Telephone: (0191) 266 5491
Email: foundation@percyhedley.org.uk

or you can click here to visit their website.

For other mobility-related charities click here.