A WANBOROUGH Paralympian recently met staff at Nationwide to support their diversity and inclusion week initiative.

Louise Hunt, who was born with Spina Bifida, competed in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and works as an athlete mentor and motivational speaker.

The event was open to all Nationwide Building Society employees to encourage them to be inspired and fulfil their potential.

Louise said: “I was born with Spina Bifida and have been in a wheelchair my whole life, but I have never let my disability hold me back.

“I really do believe that anything is possible when you set your mind to it. Sometimes I’ve failed, but that’s fine, it’s about having a go and believing in your ability.”

She said that her drive was being able to compete and play on the same level as other athletes.

“Competing in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and qualifying at my highest ever ranking to date of ten in the world was a dream come true. It demonstrates that if you want it enough and work hard it can really pay off. I am completely accepting of my disability and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Joe Garner, Nationwide’s chief executive, said: “Having a diverse and inclusive workplace is important and we are always looking at how we can make Nationwide a better place to work.”