David, from Waterlooville, sends youngster message of hope for future

But David Williamson has now helped a youngster in a different way by becoming a role model for him.

The 38-year-old double amputee was contacted by the family of toddler Emerson Grant who has recently become paralysed.

They had seen all the fundraising challenges David has completed and wanted someone who could give their son hope.

So to help give the little boy a boost, David sent him the Personal Achievement award he won at The News’ We Can Do It awards last November.

The Waterlooville resident said: ‘When the family got in touch I was really surprised because they live in Surrey and most of the fundraising I do is in Portsmouth.

‘They explained the situation with their son and just wanted someone who could show he can do whatever he wants despite being paralysed.

‘I decided to loan him my Personal Achievement award until he gets his own. It was important for me to give him the message that I believed in him.’

As previously reported in The News, David has completed marathons, the Great South Run and spent 24 hours wheeling around a lake in his wheelchair.

He supports causes in the Portsmouth area and has raised thousands.

But David said he wanted to do something different for two-year-old Emerson and, as well as giving him the trophy he also wrote a letter.

He added: ‘In the letter, I have given him advice that would have helped me while I was growing up.

‘It is just basic advice saying he can do whatever he wants. I told him not to be afraid to tell people no but also be told no. I hope it will help Emerson and his parents and just give them some hope in what has been a really tough few months.’

Emerson’s parents Lee and Anna-Marine Dearsley, from Weybridge, said having people like David has helped them with what the future will hold for their son.

Lee said: ‘When were told about Emerson’s spinal injury there weren’t any leaflets or information on what it would mean.

‘We had to do a lot of research and came across David and all the thing’s he has done.

‘He has a very positive outlook on life and helped us remain hopeful on Emerson can do.’