Aaron Morgan given award for inspiring young people (From This is Hampshire)

Disabled racing driver broke his spine aged 15

11:00am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

A DISABLED racing driver, who is paralysed from the waist down, has been announced as the winner an award for inspiring young people.

Aaron Morgan, who broke his spine in a moto-cross accident when he was 15, received the Get Going Award at the 2012 Disabled Motoring UK Awards, held at the Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire.

The 21-year-old, from Basingstoke, did not let the accident in 2006 stop him from pursuing his passion, and he went on to become the youngest person to gain the Motorsport Association National B Racing Licence when he was 17.

He has since competed in various races, using a specially-adapted vehicle, and was chosen to receive the Get Going Award for inspiring young people with disabilities to improve their mobility.

Aaron, who works for Adapted Vehicle Hire, said it was an honour to win the award.

He added: “There are certain elements of disabled driving which are still not common knowledge. For instance, many disabled people still do not know they can take their driving test earlier than able-bodied drivers and that they can hire, as well as buy, specially-adapted vehicles.

“By addressing these gaps in public perceptions through my racing and Adapted Vehicle Hire, I hope I can continue to show disabled young people that the sky is the limit, and they can achieve anything to which they put their minds.”

Graham Footer, chief executive at Disabled Motoring UK, said “Aaron is a truly inspiring young individual who did not let his disability stand in his way of pursuing his racing dream.

“His racing endeavours have helped, and will continue to help, other young disabled people to be inspired to take up motor racing and to pursue their passions no matter what.”