CHILDREN at the town’s Only Sikh temple were in for a surprise when they turned up to their weekly educational lesson. Instead of taking to the desks, youngsters at Warrington Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Latchford got the chance to meet wheelchair fencer Adrian Derbyshire, and got their hands on the Olympic torch, as well as […]

CHILDREN at the town’s Only Sikh temple were in for a surprise when they turned up to their weekly educational lesson.

Instead of taking to the desks, youngsters at Warrington Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Latchford got the chance to meet wheelchair fencer Adrian Derbyshire, and got their hands on the Olympic torch, as well as his medals.

The wheelchair fencer, from Warrington, who has won two gold and three silver international medals as well as being Great Britain’s number one, delivered an inspiring one-hour talk. The 41-year-old suffered a brain hemorrhage that led to chemical meningitis and his eventual use of a wheelchair in 2008. Adrian carried the Olympic torch in 2012 and was part of the North West Paralympic Lantern event, making him the only person in the UK to be involved in both celebrations.

And during the talk he spoke of the disaster and how he battled on.

Gurdwara secretary Pritam Tatla said: “The children from the Sikh community were very pleased and happy to see Adrian with his Olympic torch and his two gold and three silver medals.

“Adrian talked of the disaster in his life that struck in August 2008 and described waking up to find himself in hospital surrounded by doctors and nurses.

“The children also paid special attention to the part of the talk on hate crime and bullying at schools.

“Adrian spoke of the effects hate crime has on its victims – his message to children is for them to not be quiet about it.

“They should report bullying and hate crime in schools and talk to someone.”

But children and adults at the temple, on Dover Road, were also given the opportunity to carry the Olympic torch and learn about its history.

“The Sikh community would like to thank Adrian for his valuable time and the work he is doing in Warrington and schools, colleges and universities across England,” added Mr Tatla.

~ Source: warringtongaurdian.co.uk