Hannah is disabled with cerebral palsy and first came to Lourdes with HCPT in 1999 when she was 16. Though Hannah was in a wheelchair, Group Leader Sheila Toman saw that Hannah had the potential to be a helper, and offered her a place in 2002.

"I find that the children can relate to me as a helper because they can see that I am disabled, and realise that I know from first hand experience what it's like. I laugh and joke with them, keep them entertained, and help them to realise that being disabled need not mean being devalued. Coming back as a helper has also helped me, by making me realise how fortunate I am," said Hannah.

Hannah is completeing a three year course in life skills at Portland Residential College. Later she hopes to go to Wigan and Leigh College to take an arts course.