Danny has been involved in sports and his participation did not fade after he lost his right arm in a car accident. He switched from rugby to track and field and went on to represent Britain in the 2000 and 2004 Summer Paralympics where he won bronze and gold medals respectively. In recognition of his achievements, Danny was asked to carry the British Flag at the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. After retiring from track and field, Danny has gone on to become a leading media personality covering sports events like the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. He has also worked with BBC as a presenter for Truth or Scare and Inside Out and also hosts his own popular BBC radio show. Danny published his autobiography “Danny Boy” which was selected as the Sports Book of the Year 2012 by Evening Standard.

You are multi-talented and have worn many hats such as TV presenter, motivational speaker and Paralympian athlete? How has each role shaped your life?D: Every role in my life has shaped the person that I have become. Just as every hurdle I have hit along the way. Every twist and turn, up and down shapes us as a person. Yes, some are harder to deal with than other, but I believe life doesn’t put hurdles in front of you cannot overcome.

What challenges did you face after you met with an accident? How did you motivate yourself to face those challenges?D: After my accident it was about moving forward, one step at a time. I did not dwell on what had happened, what I had lost. Instead I focused on moving forward. First it was to get back out on the rugby field training, then playing. I then trained as a scuba instructor and worked in Australia for 9 months teaching people to dive. When I returned, I switched my attention to athletics? Even that journey was one step at a time, firstly making the GB team, them making a final, then getting on the podium, then finally winning the gold medal in Athens.

What is your most memorable achievement and why?D: The Gold medal in Athens, not just because it was the Gold, but because that medal was the result of 7 years hard work and dreams. It was made complete because I had over 30 friends and family in the Stadium with me.

What is the key message you want the audience to take with them from your motivational speeches?D: No hurdle is impossible to overcome

What are your other hobbies?D: Cycling, rugby, scuba diving, trying to keep up with my children

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?D: I have a caravan, so I love being away with the family. Its about being outdoors. I also love the ocean and am often at my happiest around or on water. My favourite place is the Whitsunday Islands in Australia

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?D: Allow them to grow. To do this we need to be able to find our own path, learn from our mistakes. Never underestimate what they can achieve. Just like any parent, be there to nurture, support and pick up the pieces when things don’t work out.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to pursue sports?D: Give it a go, what’s the worse that can happen. The worst is that you simply didn’t enjoy it. Hey ho, that sport or activity just wasn’t for you, but maybe the next one will be. Never be scared to try something new. You never knew where it could lead to. I went for a training session with some GB Para athletes in 1997. I could never have imagined that would be the start of a 12yr international athletics career

Any special message for our community?D: Don’t be held back by other people’s doubts and pre-conceptions. Follow your dreams