Dare to Dream unveils three new role models

The Dare to Dream campaign recognises successful young people who can inspire others and 16 role models have now been selected since the scheme began 16 months ago.

The latest role models nominated by the Children with Disabilities Team are Nomqhele Mbambo, Wendy Wilson and James Ireland.

The trio of 18-year-olds all attended local Southend schools and have since gone on to undertake courses at college, overcoming their difficulties to strive for greatness.

Nomqhele suffers from brittle bone condition and broke her femur at the age of 12, resulting in the loss of her mobility.

She successfully attended Cecil Jones College for 5 years, transferring at 16 to the South East Essex College where she went on to achieve a B-Tech in Business Studies.

Next month she begins two years further study to become a legal secretary.

She said: "I want to let people know that whatever disability they have they shouldn't let it stop them. The only person who can stop you is yourself."

Wendy Wilson, who was born with Down's Syndrome, attends Lancaster School as well as South Essex College once a week.

She is currently taking a life skills course at college but also finds time for a voluntary job at the Primary Care Trust as well as working at a pharmacy in the holidays.

Wheelchair-user James Ireland left school in July 2009 to undertake a three-year Performing Arts B-Tech at Seevic College in Thundersley.

He plans to continue his studies to university and hopes to become an actor.

Despite his physical limitations James is also an accomplished wheelchair ballroom dancer, having won competitions in international championships as far afield as Holland and Malta .

Councillor Roger Hadley, Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, said: "These three young people are a credit to their generation.

"They are a shining example that despite great adversity it is still possible to reach for the stars and achieve your dreams.

"This scheme is a partnership with the role models to help steer them towards their goals and to help them achieve all they can as they approach adulthood.

"They have raised the profile of young people with learning difficulties and disabilities across the Borough, showing that having certain difficulties should not make you hold back."

If you would like to become more involved with Southend Children's Partnership's Dare to Dream Campaign e-mail edwardspacey@southend.gov.uk