Lee Ridley has cerebral palsy and cannot speak but he has overcome his disability to become an online journalist for Sunderland city council. He believes one of the reasons for his success was the encouragement of his English master, Jon Podhajecki. So Lee has now nominated his former teacher for a Pride of Wearside award.
Lee, who communicates via a machine similar to the one used by Stephen Hawking, says: "There is no doubt in my mind that I wouldn't be where I am today without him. It was him who developed my writing skills." Lee achieved three As at A-level before going on the the University of Central Lancashire, eventually getting a masters in online journalism. (Via Sunderland Echo)
