AN Appleton man with dyspraxia who continues to battle past 'barriers' to achieve his ambitions has been nominated for an award following his achievements.

Jonathan Levy, 25, has the neurological condition which can make everyday tasks a struggle.

He has always been 'slower than most' in reaching milestones such as learning to ride a bike and upon reaching school age he avoided games, lacked confidence and stood out with his handwriting.

But the Stockton Heath parish councillor and Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace fundraiser has been open about dyspraxia in the hope of helping others and was thrilled to hear of his nomination in the 'positive role model for disability' category at this year's National Diversity Awards.

His public journey dates back many years.

In 2011 Jonathan felt compelled to write a Warrington Guardian feature about how the condition affects him and was stunned by the response it generated.

It led to him receiving a Dyspraxia Foundation award before becoming a Dyspraxia Foundation panel adviser and then a trustee in July 2013.

In 2014 Jonathan raised awareness of dyspraxia through appearing in an award-winning short film on Channel 4 series Embarrassing Bodies: Live from the Clinic.

He now regularly gives talks on his experiences growing up and was recently filmed for an online video as part of the BBC's 'Think Beyond the Box' neuro-diversity project.

Jonathan said: "I am honoured and touched to have been nominated for this award.

"It has come as a lovely surprise and when I wrote my Warrington Guardian feature little over four years ago, I never expected it to lead so many great things.

"I'm open and upfront about my condition but I don't let it define me, instead I let it strengthen me.

"I believe that it is vital for disabled people to recognise and put forward what they can do, before what they may struggle with.

"Disabled people face many barriers but that doesn't stop me having big ambitions and for every person who has ever said I won't achieve X, Y and Z, I just do whatever I can to indeed achieve it."

The awards will be held in Liverpool on September 16.

To vote for Jonathan visit nominate.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/Nominate/Endorse/29670