A DISABLED journalist who has battled the effects of polio for most of his life inspired young people in Oxfordshire with his life story at the weekend.

Dr Ravi Subbaiah spoke at Peachcroft Christian Centre in Abingdon, addressing about 200 people on Saturday evening, many of whom were from Oxford Young Steps charity, based at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre.

The Oxford project was set up with funding from Sport England to use sport as a tool to keep young people away from crime.

Dr Subbaiah, who is visiting the country for 10 days from his home in Navi Mumbai, India, founded the cable network channel NMTV.

The journalist has had difficulties walking since he fell victim to polio aged three.

Youth worker Lawrance Shama said: “It had quite an impact on them.

“He spoke about the challenges he faced in his life and shared his faith in Jesus Christ.

“They managed to see how lucky they are to be here with all the facilities for physically challenged people in the United Kingdom.

“Dr Subbaiah refuses to take a wheelchair and he walks in a very unique way.

“He spoke about the difficulties he has gone through and how he has struggled to achieve his education.

“Over here we have all these opportunities and sometimes we overlook these and don’t use them in the right way.”