Champion For Youth: Phillip Ward

Phillip's life was changed forever when he lost his sight at the age of 12. The youngster was battling leukaemia at the time and it was while completing a course of chemotherapy that he lost his sight.

The 19-year-old, of Fairfield, Stockton, had battled leukaemia once before, but the first time was able to play football with his friends.

No longer able to do the sports he loved, he took up a new range of pastimes, among them playing braille cards and listening to talking books. He also became a volunteer with BlindVoice UK.

He achieved A Levels in history, law and psychology and has now started a history degree at Newcastle University.