‘INSPIRATIONAL’ Hannah Rose has spoken at Parliament about how technology at work has helped fulfil her potential.

Hannah, who works at Cheshire Police and is paralysed from the neck down, was speaking at the launch of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology.

The group is dedicated to innovative technology that helps people learn, live and communicate.

Hannah, 33, from Hartford, has been using specialist IT equipment since joining the police seven years ago.

She said: “When I was 15 I had a virus which attacked my spinal cord and within a few days I was left paralysed from the neck down.

“I was at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for about 15 months but was always determined to carry on with my studies and complete my GCSEs.

“After that I spent some time at the ACE Centre in Oldham as they help disabled people with specific technology, which is when I started using things like a specialist computer mouse which I operate with my head and specialist dictating equipment.

“I was able to complete my A Levels and a degree in crime studies and then I really wanted to get into work.

“I asked for work experience at Cheshire Police, and that led to a work trial in HR.

“I brought in my specialist computer equipment and following that trial I got an interview for a role in the vetting office. That’s where I have now worked for seven years.

“I love working at the police and it’s amazing I can have a job and contribute to society like any other person.

“The opportunities I have been given by Cheshire Police are amazing and I’m so grateful. They don’t see me any differently to any other employee and it’s a lovely place to work.

Hannah, who is writing her second book about her experiences, said: “It was amazing to talk about my experiences. It was a really exciting day for me and my family were so proud. It meant so much to me.”

Cheshire Police disclosures and vetting manager Blair Wilson said: “Hannah loves her job and at times it has been difficult to get her to take her leave entitlement, which epitomises her love for her work and dedication to safeguarding the vulnerable.

“Hannah’s positive attitude and contribution to the department is a true inspiration to us all, and we are fortunate to have her working with us.”