A INSPIRATIONAL man who was born without arms showed schoolchildren how he doesn't let his disability hold him back.

Frank Letch MBE visited the Greenford School in Maiden Newton to talk to pupils there about his life.

The visit was to coincide with the start of Sport Week.

One Reception pupil, Tatum Pitfield, was born without part of one of her arms and the visit was also intended to encourage her to carry on living life to the fullest.

Frank was visiting the school as part of his work for the charity Reach, the association for children with upper limb deficiency.

He is a member of the board of trustees at Reach and also previously served as chairman.

Speaking about the visit, headteacher, Franz Atkinson said: “He comes and shows you how you can have a successful life. He’s been a teacher and a judge. He came in to show how you can live a full life.”

Frank spoke to children and also parents who attended a special assembly.

The children were fascinated by Frank’s stories of how he goes about his everyday life.

Mr Atkinson said: “All the children were asking questions and he was showing how he managed to peel potatoes with his feet and get money out of an ATM with his feet.

“He has to do everything with his mouth, feet and shoulders. They were just fascinated.”

The visit was meant to encourage the children during Sports Week that it isn’t necessarily about winning but taking part and trying their hardest.

Tatum has been at the school since September and Mr Atkinson said she also doesn't let her disability hold her back.

He said: “It doesn’t stop her doing anything in school. She takes part in everything. She’s just part of the school community.”

Reach doesn’t charge for its visits to schools but the school presented Frank with a small cheque to give to the charity to help it carry on its work.

Mr Atkinson saw the visit as a great way to start the week and focus the children.

He said: “It was a lovely day. The parents also came in to an assembly and found it very interesting. It was a really good focus for the start of the week.”

Frank was presented with his MBE earlier this year after being honoured in the New Year’s Honours List.

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