Film and television star Warwick Davis drops into two Bucks schools this morning to talk about genetic disorders

The television and film star, who was born with a rare genetic condition called spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, visited Holmer Green Senior School and Hughenden Primary School to raise awareness of genetic disorders and the work of charity Genetic Disorders UK.

Thousands of schools around the country support Jeans for Genes day every year, which funds Genetic Disorders UK and raises money for a range of initiatives that improve the quality of life of children and families affected by genetic disorders.

Long-time supporter of Jeans for Genes, Warwick, 45, dropped into Holmer Green Senior School in Parish Piece, before heading to Hughenden Primary School in Spring Valley Drive, to talk about his experience with the disorder, as well as his career.

Mike Jones, head teacher at Holmer Green Senior School, said the school were contacted ‘out of blue’ by Jeans for Genes to set up a visit after raising more than £3,000 for them over the past few years.

He said: “We have always marked Jeans for Genes Day to raise awareness of genetic disorders and we were told that Warwick was keen to come in and say thank you to us.

Picture by ARM Images.

“It was a lovely opportunity to have him come in and the kids were massively excited.

“He did a presentation and the pupils really loved it. He answered some really excellent questions about his films and television shows and he was impressed by how much they knew which was lovely.

“He was brilliant with the children. He is a smashing guy and has a lovely way with people. He was a delightful person to meet.”

Hughenden Primary School head teacher Sarah Leighton said it was ‘brilliant’ to have the star come in.

She said: “He is an inspiration and it was really lovely to have him. The children really loved having him come in to speak. He was very entertaining.”

Picture by ARM Images.

The star spoke to excited pupils about how he got into acting and each class asked him two questions.

Linda O'Malley, senior leader at the school said: “He was very charming and very patient with the children and even the staff, who queued up to have their pictures taken with him. It was brilliant.”