Where there is a will there is a way

SUMMER 2015 SEEMS SUCH A LONG TIME AGO NOW, BUT DURING THAT SUMMER HOLIDAY, MY SON (JORDI) AND I DISCUSSED HIS NEXT MOVE AFTER HE HAD FINISHED TRELOARS COLLEGE THE FOLLOWING YEAR. HIS WAS REPLY WAS “I WANT TO GO TO UNIVERSITY.” I THOUGHT THIS WAS AMBITIOUS BUT PERFECTLY ACHIEVABLE. THE ONLY STUMBLING BLOCK WAS MAKING SURE HE GETS THE RIGHT GRADES.

Let me let you in to the world of Jordi. He has an undiagnosed muscle weakening condition, his older sister has a similar condition.

They are both nonverbal and power wheelchair users, he needs 24/7 support. The academic year 2015/16 was broken into three bite size chunks (terms), we would assess where he needs to step up a gear with his studying at the end of each term. There were moments where he did indeed need to do this and to his credit, he really did shove it into top gear - especially in the final term. I thought I would add a little sweetener to boost his work ethic if he needed it, so I told him, if he made it to University I would take him to the Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi in 2016.

Jordi and I must give a huge amount of credit to all the people at Treloars, they really supported Jordi above and beyond the call of duty. Suffice to say he did achieve his grades; he would start University in September 2016 to study Sports journalism at Solent University. So, that meant my credit card took a hammering, in November 2016 we headed out to Abu Dhabi to see the F1 Grand Prix. I pulled a few strings and managed to get us into the paddocks to meet the Sky media team, after the race we also met some of the drivers. However, what happened during that visit to the paddocks was totally unexpected, we were introduced to an F1 journalist called David Tremayne, he enquired about the subject Jordi was studying and then offered to be his mentor through University. It was a wonderful and amazing gesture which David has kept to even as I write this. As you start that journey to University, there is lots to put in place. First of these is navigating the Student Finance England (SFE) website, hacking into the pentagon is probably easier. Among these tasks were accommodation, PA’s/Carers, computers, printers, replicating his home equipment hoists etc. and of course, the right of passage to Ikea to kit out his room. Jordi boarded at Treloars school/college during the week so was not to be daunted by suddenly leaving home. Although, this was full independence, no staying with dad at weekends or holidays. For him this was to be a breeze. As he completed his third year, we got some advice on his forthcoming final year from another student, he had just completed his final year and told Jordi “start studying well before you start the final year”. In many ways, Jordi has to do that anyway. Nevertheless, full of verve he hit the ground at full speed and that advice served him well. At the end of his final year, he had achieved a 2:1 in sports journalism and I was one very proud father. Sadly Covid19 scuppered a well-earned graduation day, but no doubt the university will set up some day in the not too distant future to celebrate that. Since both my children were very young, I have always told them that despite their disability nothing should stop their dreams and aspirations, but I have always tempered it with a bit of pragmatism. There are clearly some barriers, but there are also lots of other doors that are open - all you have to do is assess them and unlock them. If you are reading this and you have a teenager with a disability tugging on your coat tails to go to university, then roll out the red carpet. I know Jordi would tell you it has been one of the best experiences of his life, so much so that in September 2019 he started a two-year course doing a Masters in Broadcast Journalism. Solent University have been and still are amazing, they have a dedicated access team who are incredible and always available. If Jordi and I were to offer a small bit of advice it would be do not be afraid to ask. What about me, the author and dad, how did I cope? Up until he left for Uni our weekends were just me and him, footy, F1, Concerts etc. I also did all his care. Suddenly I am on my own, I have to say it was not easy some days were very emotional. It took some time to readjust, but re adjust I did. Chris Wood, a very proud dad!

Chris Wood is founder of Cosmopolitan Care. The first ever user led care company.