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Danial Siddiqi, Creative Media student, has won a lifetime achievement award from the Jack Petchey Foundation, an organisation dedicated to raising the aspirations of young people helping them take advantage of opportunities and play a full part in society.

Danial was deservedly nominated for his extensive community work especially in fundraising for a number of charities (Great Ormond Street Hospital), volunteering his time to help feed homeless people in the Kingston area, as well as giving motivational speeches to school students. He received his award at a special ceremony at the Rose Theatre in Kingston in May.

His achievements are all the more remarkable given severe walking disability since birth.

The Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme is a reward and recognition initiative which enables schools and youth organisations to celebrate the achievements of their young people. As a prefect at Southborough High School, Danial won Jack Petchey awards in 2013 and 2015 and with his recent second award granting him lifetime achievement status at the young age of 16.

As the son of a Pakistani businessman who fled the country to escape persecution, Danial was born and raised in the UK and learnt from his family the value of staying optimistic and giving back to the community. He has translated his personal experiences into popular motivational talks for school students.

His final major project on his course was the creation of a 10 minute video focusing on his area of passion. Danial then created a short documentary on the commitment to life.