An inspirational young man returned to his former school last week to present an award for outstanding achievement in sport.

The Jamie Payne-Ross Award was presented at St Mary’s School in Menston on Friday, June 14.

The Award is presented annually at the school in memory of Jamie Payne-Ross who died in a tragic accident in December 1993.

The award is for outstanding achievement in sport for a Year 8 boy and was presented to the school by Jamie’s mother Colleen and elder brother Adam.

Previous presenters of the award include Sir Trevor Brooking, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and the Kaiser Chiefs.

The presenter of the award this year was past student Callum Hall. At just 20 years of age, Callum was diagnosed with having a rare infection called an epidural abscess on his spine.

It is thought this was the result of being stung by a sea urchin whilst on holiday in Skiathos last September.

The abscess burst and damaged Callum’s spinal cord causing him to be paralysed from the chest down.

Doctors believed Callum had just hours to live and he underwent life-saving surgery to remove the abscess.

He has been receiving treatment to remove the rest of the infection but the paralysis still remains, although some movement is slowly returning.

Doctors have said that Callum, who lives in Yeadon, has little chance of being able to walk again but he is determined to prove them wrong.

Mr David Geldart, assistant headteacher said: “Callum is an inspirational young man in every way.

“His positivity and determination are an example to all those he meets. His focus is on walking again, on playing sport and in the meantime, becoming a Paralympic athlete. A truly amazing young man. He said it was an honour to be asked to present the prestigious award.”

The recipient of the Award this year was Laurence Patterson. Mr Martin Green, faculty leader of PE and Sport said: “Laurence is an outstanding pupil who always gives his best in PE lessons.

“He is an extremely talented rugby player, a skilled footballer and shows great potential as a sprinter – an all-round sportsman who is also a pleasant young man.

“Laurence is an outstanding leader and is always keen to support others. He is a very worthy winner of this special award.”

At this very moving and prestigious occasion, a wonderful piano performance was provided by Year 10 student Elliott Mulligan.