Derek Derenalagi inspires pupils at St Helen's School

INVICTUS Games competitor Derek Derenalagi visited St Helen's School, Northwood, to speak to lower sixth-formers about making positive choices in life and adapting to unexpected adversity.

INVICTUS Games competitor Derek Derenalagi visited St Helen's School, Northwood, to speak to lower sixth-formers about making positive choices in life and adapting to unexpected adversity.

He inspired the girls with his story, offering them an example of resilience and determination.

Despite losing both his legs serving as a soldier in Afghanistan, Derek has pursued a career as an athlete, competing in track and field events.

He competed in the discus and javelin competitions at the London Paralympics.

Derek's message, emphasising the importance of staying positive and choosing to work with a situation instead of giving up, left the girls in awe of his attitude.

He said afterwards: "I was really inspired to see the reaction from the girls. Halfway through my talk I could see some of them wiping away tears." The following evening, two St Helen's pupils attended a Combined Cadet Force trip to the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games.