An inspirational North East meningitis survivor has become the first quadruple amputee model in the United Kingdom.
Lyndon Longhorne, from Crook, has long held a keen interest in the modelling world and is delighted to be working in the industry, after being signed up by North East agency, Tyne Tees Models.
At just eight and a half months old, Lyndon contracted meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia, resulting in the loss of his legs, part of his right arm and the tips of the fingers on his left hand.
Despite this, the 20-year-old has never let his disability prevent him from living a full life. He is an Ambassador for Meningitis Now, a motivational speaker, has his own sportswear brand, is studying Sports Management at Northumbria University and even carried the Olympic torch at London 2012.
Speaking about his new career, Lyndon said: “I decided at an early age that my disability was not going to hold me back. I know that if I believe something can be done and I work hard, then I can achieve it.
“Signing for Tyne Tees Models is an example of that. They are a great agency and are based in my native North East, so this is a dream come true.”
Tyne Tees Models is the North East’s largest modelling agency, with over three-thousand UK-based models and Director, Lesley Middlesmiss Lister, is thrilled to be representing Lyndon.
She said: “With the exception of one young girl, who also suffered with meningitis, this is quite an unfamiliar area for us to be recruiting in.
“I find Lyndon an inspirational young man. I hope clients will appreciate how amiable and charismatic he is and join me in taking the opportunity to be more open-minded with their marketing. He is a fantastic role model for young people with disabilities.”
Lyndon is inspired to succeed by his surroundings and many of the famous occupants of the North East.
“My inspiration has to be my mate, Duncan Bannatyne,” said Lyndon.
“We have been friends since we met at the Well Child Awards in 2009 and he is the one who made me realise I must live life to the maximum and never give up on anything I want to succeed in. I look up to him for what he has achieved and feel proud to call him my friend.”
A passionate flag-bearer for the region, Lyndon often promotes the North East, including recently taking part in the North East Employee of the Year Awards.
He added: “You can’t beat the friendliness of the Northern people, they are the best around. I have the best friends up here and I will always be a Geordie lad!
For more information about Lyndon or to follow his journey you can follow him on twitter @LyndonLonghorne
You can follow Tyne Tees Models on twitter @TYNETEESMODELS