Outstanding Achievement award for Edward Common

11th December 2008

Prince Harry and Prime Minister Gordon Brown yesterday honored a Northumberland teenager for his bravery.

Photo: Edward Common in action at Percy Hedley Sports Academy

Edward Common in action at Percy Hedley Sports Academy

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

The 13-year-old was diagnosed with the progressive muscle-wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy two years ago and was told he would have to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.

But the sports-mad youngster took up four-a-side wheelchair football and, just a year later, was representing England at the sport's 2007 World Cup tournament in Japan.

Edward's mother Lorna, 44, who was joined by husband, Graham, 45, and children Gemma, 15, and Joseph, five, 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.

"It was incredibly difficult for him to come to terms with his condition."

The 13-year-old owes his England career to his mother who wanted to find something for her son to focus on. She contacted the Percy Hedley Foundation in Newcastle, a charity that aims to make sport accessible for disabled people.

Edward began playing in autumn 2006 and flew through the ranks progressing from the junior squad to the national league and then playing for England.

Mrs. 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.

"To see the joy on his face when he is playing has made everyone around him realise that - against all odds - challenges can be beaten."

In December last year Edward was honoured by the North East's Brave Heart Awards, meeting the former England manager Steve McClaren at a ceremony at St James's Park in Newcastle.

Yesterday the family enjoyed lunch at the House of Lords and a meal with the families of the nine other winners, but Edward's favourite part of the day, according to his mum, was meeting Prince Harry.

"He was absolutely lovely. He chatted to Edward about his wheelchair and what he was getting off Santa for Christmas.

"He also spoke to Gordon Brown who was talking to them all about Christmas and what they were getting as well."

 

For further information about the Percy Hedley Sports Academy, please contact Adam Parry, Sports Development Officer on 0191 268 7116 or via e-mail at a.parry@percyhedley.org.uk.

 

This story first appeared in the Journal on Thursday, 11th December 2008.

 

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