Physiotherapy graduate receives Dean's Award for significant community contributions

Liam Spinks impressed academically throughout his degree, alongside playing for England’s Partially Sighted Futsal team, championing for visually impaired learners, and delivering impactful training across both placements, and his cohort.

Liam consistently achieved high marks from his placements, being noted for showcasing excellent clinical reasoning, professionalism, and resilience. An aspect of Liam’s character that stood out was his powerful advocacy for the visually impaired, proactively delivering training while on placement to physiotherapy teams to enhance their understanding of how best to support visually impaired students.

He later delivered similar training within his own cohort, with the aim to foster a more informed, supportive and inclusive learning environment. His leadership in these instances was recognised by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, as he was invited to speak on a webinar.

Liam said, “It's an honour to receive the Dean’s award from the University.

“I never thought that four years ago starting out on the BSc Part Time Physiotherapy course I would be in the position to even get a nomination.

“I am the first visually impaired student to complete the BSc Physiotherapy course at the University and have a passion to drive equality and inclusion to allow other individuals with disabilities and impairments to participate in healthcare career pathways and achieve their dreams.

“It fills me with pride to see other students now enrolling onto Physiotherapy whilst battling the everyday challenges that a visual impairment throws up.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff and students I have worked alongside over the past four years who have been fantastic in supporting my needs and allowing me to achieve my goal of becoming a Physiotherapist.

“They are truly amazing people.”

Bethan Haeney, Programme Lead for Physiotherapy, said, “Liam has helped to pave the way for future learners with disabilities, directly shaping how the programme supports incoming visually impaired students.

“All Physiotherapy staff unanimously concur that Liam stands out.

“Throughout, he has been patient, collaborative and solution-focused – an exemplary future professional.”