Mark Stevens is a double amputee from St Ives, Cornwall, who has worked with Freedom Surf since the summer of 2008.

Mark was typical of a lot of young people with a disability in that he was determined to be able to enjoy the same freedoms and experiences as everyone else.

That led him to take part in a Freedom Surf event at Watergate Bay in 2008 (see pic left). He initially used Freedom Surf’s specialist surf board to get used to being in the water.

But thanks to his confidence and determination, Mark progressed quickly. After just a couple of lessons he was able to surf unaided and standing up (see pic right).

Freedom Surf’s chief instructor Mark Hill said: “Mark is an inspiration to young disabled people everywhere.

“He was determined to surf and now he can show other young people what can be achieved.”

Mark continues to surf and takes part regularly in Freedom Surf sessions.

The Echo Centre is a resource facility for disabled people in Liskeard in Cornwall.

Staff from the centre brought 14 severely disabled people to Fistral Beach by minibus for a day out with Freedom Surf. It was the first time any of them had been able to experience surfing.

Freedom Surf instructors and volunteers kitted them all out with wetsuits and got them in the water.

Despite the severity of their disabilities – which included spina bifida, MS and blindness – each one had a go at catching a wave.

It was clear from the enjoyment on the faces of the participants that they had got something out of the day. Helen Winchurch, from the Echo Centre, said afterwards: “Everyone had an amazing time. It was a great experience for them.”

The visitors were so impressed that they decided to pose at the beach with Christmas gear for their annual Christmas card!