It has been a crazy few days as I have been receiving a lot of attention and praise after receiving an Honorary Fellowship from Glyndwr University for my work in Disability Rights.
Of course, I am indebted to a number of people who have provided me with unflinching support and assistance as I do my best to keep fighting for justice for all disabled people these difficult times.
I was honoured to receive a glowing introduction by Liz Lefroy, Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Glyndwr University. I have included a transcript of her speech below:
Passion drives Nathan Lee Davies. Passion as an author, passion as a poet, and passion as a political activist who is heavily involved in our local community. He lobbies on behalf of those whose voices are often not heard, and he does so with humour, compassion and fortitude.
It is clear that despite a diagnosis at the age of 15 of Friedreich’s Ataxia – a progressive, genetic disease of the nervous system – Nathan is a determined and driven individual who has let nothing stop him from achieving his goals and ambitions.
He graduated from the University of Nottingham, achieving a BA (Hons) in American Studies; and spent 6 months as an exchange student at the University of Illinois, travelling extensively across the country.
He is an enthusiastic supporter of Wrexham AFC, sitting on the Club’s Disabled Supporters Association Committee and writing a regular column for the match day programme. Nathan has also written a book about his experience of visiting every football ground in Wales from the perspective of a person who uses a wheelchair. “Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud” is on the reading list of Glyndwr University’s BA (Hons) Social Work programme.
Away from football, Nathan has a keen interest in politics and can often be found fighting for social justice through his work with Disabled People Against Cuts, the Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales, the FDF Centre for Independent Living, Disability Wales and the Outside In Forum attached to the BA Social Work programme at the University where he gives talks to students on his expertise through experience.
Nathan is being recognised for his own achievements today, but he also represents Outside In, whose tireless work in the School of Social and Life Sciences is deeply appreciated by students and lecturers. He represents those in Wrexham and across Wales for whom he advocates and campaigns. He represents all of us who believe in the rights of every citizen to be heard and respected.
Nathan is being honoured for his services to disability rights.
A live stream of the graduation ceremony was broadcast online, a copy of which can be seen below:
Of course, I am my own worst critic. Everyone says that I gave a good speech, but I know deep down I could have said more. One thing that I really wish I had mentioned was the fact that I would like to dedicate my recognition to a true mentor of mine who sadly passed away earlier this year. Mr Brian Thirsk was a true gentleman and inspired me to carry on my fight for justice for all disabled people. I wrote a Tanka for him after his passing:
True inspiration
You instilled confidence
Provided fresh hope
Wrapped inside pure Welsh humour
Future fights are in your name
it was a truly memorable day that continued in the evening with a celebration at the Centenary Club attended by approximately 60 guests.
Below are some photographs to mark the occasion:
