Pride of Guernsey: 'Complete inspiration to everyone'

Sarah Whitchurch has been nominated for the College of Further Education-sponsored Overcoming Adversity Award.

Philippa Stahelin nominated the 28-year-old, who after contracting meningitis was airlifted to London, ventilated and in an induced coma for three weeks.

'Her parents watched her organs fail one by one and wondered if she would survive,' Mrs Stahelin said. 'Awakening from her coma, there were tough times. Initially she couldn't speak or move because the brain damage had left her partially paralysed.'

Miss Whitchurch communicated through blinking and was left with ataxia and locked-in syndrome.

'For her parents, survival was all they could hope for,' Mrs Stahelin said. She added that Miss Whitchurch surpassed that 'simple hope' and swimming was an incentive to her recovery.

Miss Whitchurch returned to Guernsey and joined Headway Guernsey, for which she is an ambassador.

After the London 2012 Paralympics she completed a half-marathon and then the Guernsey marathon in a racing wheelchair.

'Swimming remains her passion and in 2014 she became the first disabled swimmer to complete the Guernsey to Herm swim. This year she broke the 400m freestyle long course British record.'

Mrs Stahelin said she nominated Miss Whitchurch for her passion and determination to set herself challenges, which she simply refuses to not achieve.

'She is never without a smile and helps other Headway members see that there can be a positive life post-brain injury. She is a complete inspiration to everyone, whether she is raising funds for Headway or mentoring new members.'

Miss Whitchurch also campaigns for disabled islanders with the Guernsey Disability Alliance and helps with the Rainbow Club.

'I have no doubt there are many inspirational people at Headway who achieve great things, but I cannot think of a more worthy or compelling contender for this award,' Mrs Stahelin said.