Wandsworth student wins Diana award

7:11am Friday 4th July 2008

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A Wandsworth pupil with autistic spectrum disorder has won an award founded in memory of Princess Diana.

Luke Williams, a pupil at Garratt Park School, will be presented with a Diana Award next Thursday at a ceremony attended by TV star Esther Ranzen.

"We are very proud of Luke. He is one of the most polite, enthusiastic and determined students and has shown himself to be an excellent ambassador for the school."

Irene Parks

The scheme's organisers say the awards, founded in 1999, are designed to recognise the courage, commitment, compassion and selfless service of youngsters aged 12 to 18.

Luke is the eighth student from Garratt Park School to win the award.

Garratt Park is a secondary school for children with mild to moderate learning difficulties, Autistic Specturm Disorder and communication and interaction difficulties.

The 14-year-old won the award because of his commitment and hard work in school despite having autistic spectrum disorder which severely delayed social and communication skills and delayed speech and language.

Luke also suffered the loss of his mum ten years ago and he and his brother have been cared for by his eldest sibling David Bassett.

He has inspired and encouraged other students to perform and participate in assemblies and at parents' evenings and acts as a role model to his peers.

His headteacher, Irene Parks, said: "We are very proud of Luke. He is one of the most polite, enthusiastic and determined students and has shown himself to be an excellent ambassador for the school."