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A man who has spent 40 years trying to improve the lives of people with disabilities has been given his home town's highest honour.

David Thompson has been made an honorary freeman of Warrington, Cheshire.

After breaking his back playing American football in 1989, he set up Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP).

He said he was "truly shocked and surprised" by the accolade.

Mr Thompson, who is a deputy lieutenant of Cheshire, said it was "humbling to hear that the impact of the work I do as part of a great team at Warrington Disability Partnership is held in such high esteem".

“Thinking back to 1989, our whole family and close friends were affected by my accident and complications that followed," he said.

"There were plenty of very dark days, when finding a purpose to get out of bed was difficult.

"Setting small, achievable goals, really helped."

Thanking his wife Pam, son Gavin, daughter Emma, and his family, close friends, and the team at WDP, Mr Thompson added that he hoped "other disabled people who are starting out on their journey can take encouragement from my experiences, which is driven by the philosophy that ‘it’s what we can do, not what we can’t do, that matters’".

Mr Thompson's efforts have seen him receive a range of honours, including becoming an MBE in 2001 for services for disabled people.

Warrington Mayor Steve Wright said Mr Thompson's "commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities in Warrington is truly inspiring, with his work helping to raise awareness, break down barriers and deliver real change".

"His positive influence can be seen throughout many aspects of life in Warrington and beyond," he said.

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