A PARALYMPIAN gave an inspirational speech to pupils to encourage them to strive for their dreams.

Ian Rose told Year Seven children at Fitzharrys School, in Abingdon, how he overcame childhood eye cancer that left him virtually blind to win a silver judo medal at the 2004 Paralympic games in Athens.

The 38-year-old lost his left eye and most of the sight in his right eye aged six months and learned judo for self defence after being teased at school about his thick glasses.

He said: “Not everyone can be an Olympic or Paralympic medallist but everyone can be the best they can be.”

The High Wycombe resident added: “Judo gave me the confidence and self-esteem to get on with life.”

Oxford United youth goalkeeper Eddie Cavanagh, 13, said the talk had inspired him. He said: “I will probably try harder in my sport and in my education now.”

Poppy Smith, 14, a gymnast who has represented Oxfordshire, said: “When I have bad times I will think back to this and I will keep on going.”

Amy Greenway, 15, who has represented Oxfordshire in the 200m sprint, said: “It was really inspiring.

“To not come first can hit your confidence, but someone like him has carried on and achieved what he has.”