A disabled man who has raised thousands of pounds for charity was presented with an award for his efforts.
Douglas Silas, who lives in Finchley, was diagnosed with cerebella ataxia, a rare neurological condition which affects his balance, co-ordination, speech and eyesight.
Since discovering he would need to use a wheelchair at the age of just 37, he has raised £125,000 for Jewish charity Norwood, which helps children and adults with learning disabilities.
Prime Minister David Cameron presented Mr Silas with a Point of Light award at Norwood's charity's annual dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel on Monday night, which raised £3.2m for the Stanmore-based Jewish charity.
He said: “It’s not just what Douglas has done. It is also how he has done it. Douglas, you are an inspiration to us all.
"In a phrase that will be well understood tonight, speaking about Douglas someone tonight told me, what a man. What a mensch.”
Mr Silas, a disability lawyer, has spent the past three years using a specially adapted bike, during which he crossed Sri Lanka and completed cycle rides in Madagascar and Israel.
Money he raised has helped create a music garden for children with autism and sensory impairments and provide equipment for a respite centre for children with disabilities at the Kennedy Leigh Centre in Hendon.
Norwood chief executive Elaine Kerr said: “We’re delighted Douglas has been chosen as a worthy recipient of this award and honoured that he has focused his endeavours in aid of Norwood.”
“Not only has the money raised by ‘team Douglas’ helped so many – he shows just what can be achieved when, as he says – you ‘see the ability, not the disability’.”
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