‘Dreams do come true’ as 17-year-old with quadriplegia cerebral palsy gets job at Preston North End

17-year-old Brian Burdekin from Deepdale, who has quadriplegia cerebral palsy, is celebrating after starting his first job.

Brian recently secured a role selling lottery tickets for Preston North End, and says it is a welcome opportunity after receiving many rejections.

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Brian, who attends sixth form at Sir Tom Finney Community High School, said: “When I was trying to find a job it was so hard because I knew people would only see my chair.

“My step dad Lee kept helping me find a job. Now PNE have seen how hard working and excited I have been and I am so happy.”

At his first shift, for PNE’s match against Peterborough, Brian was pleased to sell 86 lottery tickets. He also enjoyed watching PNE win 1-0, so it was a double celebration.

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“I was speaking to fans and they were all so kind to me,” Brian said.

“I am nearly 18 so I can make some money now to buy games for my Xbox and take my family out. I’m so grateful to PNE for giving me a job.”

Proud mum, Anita Patel, says Brian has shown that dreams can come true.

She said: “I think this highlights for anyone with an additional need or disability that nothing is impossible and dreams do come true – but like Brian you have to face the challenges and keep going.

“As a family we are so proud of Brian. He was a tiny 3lb baby and I was told he would never live a normal life. He has proved them wrong every time and continues to thrive everyday.”

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