Blind student's award will inspire (From Hereford Times)

Blind student's award will inspire

10:00am Wednesday 4th July 2012 in News By Paul Rogers

Hereford student Jack Hewett who was blinded after a stabbing outside a nightclub has presented an award named in his honour.

Jack nearly died after being attacked outside the former Manhattans club two years ago and has no movement in his right arm.

At the time, Jack was studying an engineering course at Farleigh Further Education College in Somerset. And now teachers inspired by the 23-year-old’s attitude since the attack, have set up the Jack Hewett Award for Courage.

Last week Jack travelled down to Somerset to present the award to James Oakley who has also overcome huge challenges to get the most out of life and study at the college.

“I can’t believe it is two years since the attack, but I am really proud to be giving this to someone else who has had to fight personal troubles,” said Jack.

“I hope it will inspire James and others to keep going, even in the face of huge problems.”

Jack is now studying at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford.

“Being blind has given me more insight into life, people and myself, about the role of patience, the importance of not judging people until you know everything about them,” said Jack.

“You can’t judge so easily or quickly when you can’t see, you have to get to know people.”