Bradford College

Blind College Student Wins Achievement Award

Christopher Scrivener, a Bradford College student, who has overcome losing his sight has been awarded the first ever John Benson Award.

Christopher who is on a Foundation Degree in Health Related Fitness and Exercise Course at Bradford College started to lose his sight at the age of 14 due to a genetic condition called Leber optic atrophy which affects mainly young males.

The John Benson Award has been established by The Halifax Society for the Blind to recognise achievement in young people who are blind or partially sighted and has been given to Christopher for his significant achievements in overcoming losing his sight.

Even though adapting to blindness had obviously brought its difficulties especially when studying his GCSEs, Christopher has not given up on his aspirations to teach Physical Education.

Christopher’s Foundation Degree will allow him to continue with his aim of having a career as a PE Teacher. His course currently includes work experience Huddersfield Sports College and Chris is using his John Benson Award of £500 towards further training courses relevant to his career.

On his success, Christopher comments, "It was a bit of a shock to be told that I had won the award and I thank the Halifax Blind Society for nominating me. They've obviously followed my progress since I left high school and I am happy that they have kept me in their thoughts. My dream is to go as far as I can as a sports teacher or instructor. The award will open up progression opportunities that I may not have had otherwise. I plan to invest my prize money in additional courses that will have a positive impact on my future."

Kim Leadbeater, Bradford College Course Leader for Foundation Degree in Health Related Fitness & Exercise comments, "Chris started the Foundation Degree in September 2011, and he has shown an excellent level of commitment to his studies so far. He doesn’t let his visual impairment hold him back at all; he is confident, focused and passionate about exercise and fitness. He is on track for a successful future at college and beyond."