Hereford's Royal National College for the Blind students 'inspired' by former pupil Chris' Strictly journey
The 47-year-old won this year's competition on Saturday evening, and attended the college in the 1990's.
Last updated 17th Dec 2024
A Herefordshire college where Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris McCausland was a student, say they are so proud of him winning Saturday's final and what he's achieved.
The 47-year-old attended the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in Hereford back in the 1990's, and recently visited in 2022 as part of their 150th anniversary celebrations.
Chris, who teamed up with professional dancer Dianne Buswell in this year's competition, lost his sight in his 20s when he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, and is the first blind contestant in the show's history,
Students Catrin and Oscar, who both have ambitions to work in the music industry one day, have both been long-time fans of the comedian and have followed his journey throughout the weeks.
"I love how amazing he has been, breaking down all those barriers," Oscar said.
"It's definitely given me more confidence in just even knowing that the public know blind people can do anything."
Catrin added: "I don't know where I saw him first but I didn't realise he was blind at the start, I literally just knew him as a comedian.
"It was just an extra thing that he was, and it was cool for me to think I could relate to him a bit, and we can do these things, it's just great he's got the right training there to get where he needs to be."
Pupils at the college have been having dance lessons though before Chris even began his adventure on Strictly.
Activities co-ordinator Beth Wood has been teaching some students ballet after they requested it, and says there’s been a real excitement in the sessions.
She said: "It's brought quite a buzz to the lessons, they want to talk about it every week, and I think it's really inspired them to know that they can excel within dance.
"I'm really descriptive with what I do, I have to explain every movement that I'm doing, so I use a lot of imagery and things they can relate to.
"I also use my voice a lot, particularly when we are changing direction., and seeing them so excited about the things they achieve is just brilliant."
The college's executive principal Lucy Proctor says they are all "absolutely delighted" for Chris and Dianne, and hopes that it can help change perceptions of what people who have visual impairments can or can't do.