Warrington born Great Britain International Wheelchair Fencer, Adrian Derbyshire spoke at a Charity Dinner held in his honour in Buckley’s restaurant, Warrington Collegiate, Thursday 8th December, telling his story , from 2008 when his life changed forever, to the present day.
Due to his sheer determination and courage, Adrian has made a fantastic recovery from a devastating brain haemorrhage to become a Great Britain fencer, he’s currently in training for many International competitions, but his main focus is on the London Olympics 2012, where he hopes to be selected for the games. It is down to Adrian’s will to succeed that he was chosen for the Great Britain team at the end of 2009 after just one year since his haemorrhage. Adrian also has the honour of being selected to be one of the Olympic Torch bearers when the torch comes to the Northwest next May.
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Adrian is currently enrolled on a sign language course at Warrington Collegiate and Graham Murphy, Curriculum Manager for Sport and Recreation is providing sponsorship for Adrian. From presentations to inspire students to fencing demonstrations, Adrian has really got involved with the life of the college.
Guests enjoyed pre-dinner champagne cocktails before sitting down to a fabulous three course meal, prepared and served by Hospitality and Catering students at Warrington Collegiate. The meal began with vegetable and rosemary soup with cheese croutons, followed by chicken, spinach and mushroom en croute with a dessert of strawberry bavoir and almond shortbread to conclude a truly gastronomic experience.
Pete Pinnington, from Wire FM, compered the evening which included entertainment from comedian Charlie Hale, live music from students on the Performing Musician course at Warrington Collegiate, a raffle and auction.
Over £1000 was raised to support Adrian’s Great Britain Campaign, to go towards the cost of training, coaches and kit, vital for athletes who compete at such an elite level. Adrian has to raise a minimum of £20,000 a year just to train. Just one wheelchair costs over £4,000
Adrian commented " It was a fantastic night, where the support not only from Warrington Collegiate, but from the people attending was quite overwhelming"
Buckley’s is an award winning training Restaurant and fully licensed run by students at Warrington Collegiate. Diners wanting to beat the post- Christmas blues can book a meal at Buckley’s or come on one of the popular themed nights by ringing the booking line on 01925 494378
Students interested in courses at Warrington Collegiate or who would like to request a prospectus can call Learner Services 01925 494494 or email learner.services@warrington.ac.uk
Warrington Collegiate Spring Open Evenings will take place on Thursday 26th January and Tuesday 27th March where prospective students can meet and talk to staff and current students about courses and their future career.
For more information on Warrington Collegiate please visit www.warrington.ac.uk
