Inspirational double amputee dedicated to fundraising is shortlisted for Shaw Trust Power 100 list

Hardworking fundraiser David Williamson, from Cowplain, has been listed as a finalist for this year’s Shaw Trust Power 100, an annual publication containing the nation's 100 most influential disabled people which will be announced in October.

The 2019 offering features huge names in campaigning, television and sport, including actor Warwick Davis, Anne Hegerty from The Chase and triathlon gold medallist Haseeb Ahmad who set an Ironman Triathlon blind world record.

David, 41, was born without tibia bones and had both legs amputated when he was a baby, but has not let this stop him raising thousands of pounds for causes through physical challenges and events.

Talking about his nomination, he said: ‘It’s a massive honour looking at the people who have been on there before. Just to be considered in their company is surreal but it’s a fantastic feeling.

‘The fundraising for me is only half of it – being able to go out there as a disabled person and do things that able bodied people say they couldn’t think of trying, I think that’s really important.

‘If you have a disability or become disabled later in life it’s not the end of the world, my body just stops a little bit earlier than everyone else’s body.’

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In 2016, David was given the personal achievement award at The News’ We Can Do It awards, and has been nominated for various accolades since, including being runner up in the Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons and a Pride of Britain Awards nomination.

Last year, David completed 30 marathons in 30 days to raise money for two disabled children and the charity Limb Power.

The fundraising shows no sign of slowing down as throughout September David will be doing a series of wheelchair pushes for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

He added: ‘It’s lovely to occasionally look back at what I have done and the people I have managed to help while also being aware I wouldn’t have done it without support. I am really grateful for all the help and support I get and it’s on me to pass that forward.’

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