INSPIRATIONAL Sam Ainsworth has been recognised by the Step Up to Serve charity by being made an ‘I will’ ambassador.
Sam, 15, is a member of Lancashire Volunteer Police Cadets group where he has just been given an award for his positive attitude which inspires young cadets.
The cadet leaders also nominated Sam to become an ‘I will’ ambassador and he was invited, along with his mum Tina, to an award ceremony in Church House at London’s Westminster Abbey.
The Haslingden High School Year 11 student said: “There were 50 new ambassadors from all over the country.
“Being an ambassador is about encouraging young people to inspire others by talking about what they have done.
“It was quite overwhelming and my mum loved it, she is really, really proud. I got to meet and chat with the other ambassadors and find out how they volunteered.
“It is nice to be recognised for what you have done.”
His pledge is to continue to be a part of the Volunteer Police Cadets and undertake leadership training to help develop social action projects further.
Sam, from Bacup, suffers from Charcot Marie Tooth Disease which affects his mobility.
His school launched a campaign in the summer to raise £4,750 to buy him an all terrain wheelchair.
The money was raised in record time and the bespoke Mountain Trike arrived early and so was in time for him to use it in London. Sam and his family are very grateful to everyone who helped to raise the funds.
When it arrived at school Sam couldn’t wait to try it out and was grinning all day.
Sam can manoeuvre it himself just by moving a lever forward and back, unlike a conventional wheelchair where the wheel needs to be gripped, something Sam struggles with.
He said: “The trike is excellent. I have got it in an army green colour and black and everyone was interested in it when I went to London.
“I have taken it to Hothersall Lodge in Longridge when I was on a revision study weekend with school and I have been able to go out with my dad to walk the dog. It even got over the snow no problem at all.
“As soon as the weather gets better I am hoping to take it up to Lee Quarry with my dad, Phil and brother, Jacob on their mountain bikes.”