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“I Want To Be Defined By My Reaction, Not My Disability”
Former marine Andy Grant’s (above left) life changed irrevocably after losing a limb in the line of duty. Budding journalist Amos Wynn (above right), currently studying Sociology with Politics at Edge Hill University, tells his inspiring story.
Meeting up with Andy Grant in a coffee shop in Liverpool, it’s hard to imagine what things were like for him nearly ten years ago when he was injured whilst serving as a marine in Afghanistan.
At only 20 years of age, just one year older than I am now, he went through the unimaginable when he lost a leg in an explosion in Afghanistan while serving with the marines.
But Grant vowed that he “didn’t want to be defined by being disabled or an ex-soldier; I wanted to be defined by how I reacted to it,” and his determination to be clear for everyone to see.
Now at the age of thirty, Grant has done plenty to ensure exactly that.
He has become the world’s fastest single leg amputee, running 10k in 37 minutes and 17 seconds, 36 seconds faster than the previous record. He won two golds and a bronze at the 2014 Invictus Games, and completed sky dives amongst other tasks, and is now a successful motivational speaker.
Earlier this year Grant released his autobiography, You’ll Never Walk, documenting the big moments in his life, the highs and the lows.
Grant admits it was an “emotional rollercoaster” going through the thirty years of his life with ghost writer, Phil Reade.
“We went through every emotion, from crying our eyes out to laughing out loud, as well as some moments of real suspense.”
Discussing the different events in his life made the ex-marine “relive” a lot of moments and allowed him to think in more depth about the different things he had been through and the things he has achieved in adversity.
“I get a good feeling just talking about breaking the 10k record. I explained the emotions I went through that day and what it felt like when I crossed the line, and that put a huge smile on my face. I think that helped Phil [Reade] to see how happy and how proud I was.”
Putting his story down in words was something Grant had thought about for a long time before he started writing You’ll Never Walk, but “I didn’t want it to be just about being blown up in Afghanistan, I wanted to write a book about what I had achieved.”
After he broke the record and became the fastest single leg amputee he thought, “I’ve done something now, I’ve got something, and then I was approached by Phil.”
The book has received positive feedback, with a variety of people finding it inspiring, and Grant receiving nice messages from strangers, telling him what it meant to them and how it has affected their lives: “that was what we wanted, for people to get that positive message, that they can achieve anything.”
The 30-year old believes there is “nothing better than someone who has been going through a really hard time finding hope from your story, it does give you a little buzz, but it’s also very surreal.”
The fact that people could be sat on holiday around the world reading his book is a “crazy thought” for Grant but makes him really “proud”.
A few years ago, Grant took part in an ITV documentary, and says it hasn’t been an issue allowing people into his life.
“I welcome it really; I’m a people person and very open, so I enjoyed working and sharing my story.”
At the age of 12, Grant’s mother died and this “engraved” him with the mentality he has had throughout his life.
“I always knew life could be unfair. When I lost my mum, I went through the hardest military training but when life did get tough I knew I could pull through.”
Even after being blown up, he never at any point thought about quitting and accepting that the rest of his life would be spent in a wheelchair. “I always knew I had something inside me that could push on and get over this tragedy.”
The death of his mother meant Grant grew up being very close to his dad and two sisters. They are always in his mind with “everything I do in my life affecting them, from joining the marines in the first place, to serving out in Iraq and then Afghanistan, to eventually getting injured.”
A big thing for Andy was the way that his family and other people would see him. “I never wanted them to think their brother was once this big Royal Marine who is now in a wheelchair and doesn’t really do anything.”
“I try to inspire them and to show them I’m still the same Andy; they were proud when I joined the marines and I wanted to keep their view of me the same or even better, if possible.”
After the accident there was a chance for Grant to carry on life with both his legs, but he would have had to remain in a wheelchair. This led to his decision to have the amputation.
“You come into the world with two arms and two legs and you expect to leave with two arms and two legs, so it was sad knowing that keeping the leg wasn’t possible if I wanted to live my life.”
The decision to lose the lower part of his leg may have been “tough”, but Grant was driven on knowing that it could lead to a better life.
“No one likes having things taken off them, whether it’s a kid in school getting sweets taken off him or me losing something I had had for twenty-two years of my life.”
Despite ten years passing since the accident, Andy still finds himself fighting for compensation, with support coming from charities, not government.
“I think they’ve tried to wash their hands as quickly as possible, which is a shame. At times I’ve fought harder for compensation than I did fighting the Taliban.”
The accident had a huge impact on Grant’s outlook on life, making him want to “enjoy myself more and not really stress about things too much because I’ve realised we only get one life.”
“I was very young when I was blown up,” he continues, “and there was a lot of experiences and places in the world I’d never seen, so it gave me this attitude to kick on and try to draw everything from life. It gave me a kick up the backside and I’ve ended up doing more things than I did before.”
Whilst his injury is one of the factors that contributes to his desire to try new things, Grant also points to losing his mother as another of the reasons behind it.
“She was 36 when she passed away and I’m 30 now, so that could be six years of my life left, and that makes me sad. There are so many things I’ve not achieved and that she didn’t in such a short life, so I want to live mine to the full and try new things.”
That, combined with being a person who loves trying new experiences, gives him the strong desire to jump outside his comfort zone and to give things a go, to “stand up to be counted.”
“After all that happened to me, I think I was not put on this Earth to pay bills then die. I want to achieve and go places and live life to the max. I like holidays, spending time with my family and doing fun things.”
The grit and determination that Andy conveys must run through his family, as his dad is also a big inspiration to the record breaker.
“He’s done a good job bringing up three children on his own. Now, as a father, I realise how difficult it is to bring kids up.”
Despite sharing a determination, Grant believes they are also in some ways different.
“I’m more outgoing and I like trying new things, but my dad is shy and more low key and doesn’t make a song and dance about things, but he has his own personal resilience. I’m a bit more adventurous and wear my heart on my sleeve more.”
Grant also takes inspiration from people who doubt him.
“I love it when people say I’m lucky. It’s the biggest compliment if I can lose my mum at 12 and get blown up in Afghanistan but still love such a life and people think I’m lucky.”
This is something he takes as a “driving force” to continue “smashing life and keep on doing well so people have that perception of me.”
As a professional public speaker, Grant tries to get the message across “that life is hard and challenging and you don’t have to be blown up in Afghanistan to realise that it is tough. Whatever life throws at you, you can overcome it; it is about your reaction.”
His talks vary depending on the client. He could discuss communication and life in the marines or the pressures in life; just trying to “deliver the best service possible.”
Grant states he’s sportier now than he was before the accident, “which is funny”.
“I loved football as a kid but when I joined the marines I played with my mates but never played competitively. I was always fit and loved running, but I wouldn’t class myself as a runner, I never did any races or anything.”
He admits “being in the marines you are more active than the average person, but I didn’t have a particular sport. It’s crazy to think it took me losing a leg to do my first triathlon, to sky dive and to join mountaineers and climb some of the highest mountains in the world.”
It took something “dramatic” for Grant to realise all the things he wanted to give a go and believes “the positives outweigh the negatives” of his injury.
Even with one leg, Grant remains fitter than the majority of people with two.
“When I was training for my 10K I was running five times a week and going to the gym five times a week, it was quite intensive. I can’t compare myself to a normal person who might be working 9-5 and happy sitting on their a*se, but I wake up, take my dog for a walk and keep active throughout the day.”
Grant remains fitter than a few of his sporting heroes he had growing up, beating the likes of Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler in races.
“That has been one of the cool things that has happened on the way, that I’ve got to the position where heroes of mine are turning round and doing favours for me, like going for a run with them. They don’t ask me because they feel sorry for me; they do it because I’m their mate, it’s not out of pity, it’s out of admiration.”
It is an added bonus for the life-long Liverpool fan that “people whose name you sang and cheered for, turn round and say ‘it’s nice to meet you Andy.’”
The support from people, like Carragher, is an example of the help he has received from the community in Bootle, the area of Merseyside he grew up in.
“It helped keep me grounded. Life has been crazy, but I can go to the local pub and people still talk to me the same and it’s nice to know they’re really proud. The people may not have much, but they always have that sense of pride.”
Grant is defiant and states he wouldn’t change anything about what has happened to him, “the only advice I would give is to enjoy the good times more.”
Despite achieving so much, Grant’s plans haven’t stopped yet. He is going back to the drawing board for something new next year.
For now, his aim is to “make the book and my motivational talks as successful as possible and keep sharing the message.”
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Happy 70th Birthday, NHS
and many, many more.
From Edge Hill University, alma mater of just a few of the thousands of dedicated health and social care professionals working in our great and much-envied National Health Service.
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A Meat Eater’s Guide to Vegan Food
The vegans are coming - and they’re bringing lunch. We sent Creative Writing student Lucy Barrett to Food For Thought, Edge Hill’s vegan showcase, to investigate this foodie hinterland.
“I’m sat with a tummy crammed full of vegan foods, trying to process the weekend I spent navigating my way around over 40 vendors at the Food for Thought Vegan Festival, part of this year’s Festival of Ideas.
My initial thought going into the two-day event was that I hoped I wasn’t going to encounter the militant, preachy side of veganism that you read online. I eat most kinds of food and I do (at least try to) have a relatively healthy diet, but like many others, I don’t want to be judged for the lifestyle I’ve chosen.
When I wasn’t in line at a food stall I spent much of my time going around the vendors and patrons asking about their own veganism, and what they think about what the word ‘vegan’ has come to be perceived. And I was surprised and encouraged by their views.
I made a confession when introducing myself to anyone: I’m Lucy and I’m not a vegan. On the whole it didn’t really change anything and they were happy to have omnivores (as us meat-eaters are labelled) taking an interest. Some, however, took the opportunity to attempt to convert me, while one even called me a ‘muggle’, as if my lifestyle meant I lacked some kind of magic power. This aside, many were concerned about the bad reputation that vegans have, and how militant vegans patronise the interested and pass judgement on everyone else.
The biggest thing I realised was how fluid the definition of ‘vegan’ really is, and that there are even tensions and disagreements within the vegan community. While everyone has a common goal, motivations differ, from the health benefits of a plant-based diet to support for animal rights. One person said that they won’t eat anything that attempts to mimic meat products, so vegan sausages are a definite no, but another often opts for vegan counterparts to bridge the gap from their old meat-based diet. Some said that leather and wool products are fine and acceptable to wear, whereas others won’t go near them if their life depended on it. So navigating the minefield of opinions proved difficult at times.
All the while, the loudest voice in my head was urging me to go and fill up on the food (obviously for research purposes only). I was most sceptical of, but eventually most impressed with, my purchases from the Vegan Choc Shop. Many people had warned me that vegan chocolate was nothing like the real thing and often ends up grainy and grim. It’s a lot richer than your average Cadbury’s bar, and not as moreish, but the flavour stays on your taste buds long after eating. Just by eating it you can tell it’s not just filled with E numbers and who knows what else. If you wanted a sweet treat I would recommend an Icy Curl. I loved how it was made in front of you, using a frozen plate working at -17 degrees centigrade. I opted for a raspberry curl which was refreshing, somewhere between an ice lolly and an ice cream.
If you wanted the perfect lunch, Love Kimchi and Vausages were the tastiest options, although both only launched their companies this year. The Love Kimchi team boasts 54 years of experience in Korean cuisine between them, so when I appeared with no clue about kimchi [a traditional side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables - International Food Editor] and asking for recommendations, I was in expert hands. I picked the katsu curry and enjoyed it so much that I had it the next day too. Vausages was a solid lunch choice too. Their approach to hotdogs was really original, with each hotdog relying on individual flavourings instead of just toppings. Their aim is to make the food equally accessible to non-vegans, with similar textures to meat, and still having a “traditional” sausage skin, which I loved.
I imagine that I’ll be attending more vegan fairs over time, and hopefully this will become an annual event at Edge Hill.”
Find out more about the vegan lifestyle
Pics: Lucy Barrett
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Podcast: What You Can Expect At Open Day
The clock is ticking, the countdown continues its inexorable progress, the midnight hour rapidly approaches. We could be talking about the start of the World Cup in Russia.
Or the moment we officially break from the European Union. Or even the day we have to admit smart fridges may be a good idea. But we’re not. It’s bigger than any of those things. Probably. It’s Edge Hill’s summer Open Day.
And why is that big deal?
Mostly because it’s important to find out more about the place in which you may spend the next three years of your life. Just ask Edge Hill Computing student Sean Murphy:
“I recommend seeing as many universities as possible, but make sure Edge Hill is on your list. I promise that no university will compare to the friendly staff, amazing campus and brilliant people you will meet at Edge Hill. If you don’t believe me then come and see for yourself.”
To whet your appetite further, we chatted to a few lecturers about what to expect at an Edge Hill Open Day, and why Edge Hill could be the perfect place for you to study:
Dr Andrea Wright shines a spotlight on the Media department
Adam Pendlebury lays down the Law department’s Open Day plans
Dr Bob Nicholson on how History can shape our future
John Marsden opens up about our new Counselling degree
Dr Phil Rigby on the rewards of Teaching in Secondary and Further Education
Dr Zayneb Allak on the stories behind the Creative Writing department
Prof Andy Smith on how Sport really is for all
Book your place at our next Open Day on Saturday 18th August, and claim your free Open Day ice cream (legal note: must be collected in person).
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Visualising Success: State of Mind Sport
Students challenge stigma of mental health and illness
In 2017, Sports Development and Management students developed and delivered a range of sports-based events with high profile partners, such as State of Mind Sport as part of National Student Mental Health Day.
Students taking the Working in Sport, Physical Activity and Health module worked with external organisations on a 12-week project that explored the connections between mental and physical health. Under the theme of ‘Active Mental Health’, the students designed a programme of activities, including workshops, sport and physical activity sessions and mental health awareness stalls, and monitored and evaluated the event to measure its impact. Nearly 3,000 people were engaged in student-led activities as part of Edge Hill’s Student Mental Health Day, and more than 1,200 people were reached via Twitter and Facebook, which were used to promote and engage others in the activities.
“The students developed extra skills, knowledge and confidence about organising an event. I think they went away with extra awareness and knowledge, and will feel more confident about talking about stigma and issues that, up till fairly recently, haven’t been talked about.”
Malcolm Rae
State of Mind Sport charity
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Visualising Success: Healthy and active for life
Danielle McGifford
BA (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport
As an international heptathlete and sports graduate, Danielle McGifford knows how important it is to educate children about the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle from a young age.
During her course, Danielle took part in several work related learning opportunities to enhance her skills and advance her career prospects in the field of school sports development. As well as industry placements, she also gave up her spare time to volunteer in a range of settings, which enabled her to gain practical experience of both the PE and school sports side of her programme. These opportunities enabled Danielle to secure a job with the St Helens Sports Development team as part of the School Games Programme, planning, organising and delivering sporting events for children in primary and secondary schools, and promoting key messages around the importance of health and physical activity.
“I often support current Edge Hill students who volunteer at the events I organise. The fact that I am now helping to lead these students is quite surreal as I was in their position myself only a year ago.”
Danielle McGifford
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Visualising Success: From people to ponies
Chloe Greenwood
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy
Chloe Greenwood added horses to her list of potential clients after graduation, and is now applying her specialist knowledge of soft tissue injury and rehabilitation to her dual role as a Human and Equine Sports Therapist.
While most Sports Therapy graduates go on to work exclusively with humans in clinical settings, Chloe decided use the knowledge and skills she learned on her course to benefit both humans and animals. While at University, she broadened her experience, through industry placements and work related learning activities with organisations including Wigan Warriors Academy Rugby Club, St Helens Rugby Football Club, Preston North End Ladies Football Club and Umbro International Soccer Cup, and also worked within the University’s sports rehabilitation clinic and massage clinic. After graduating, Chloe completed a diploma in Equine Sports Massage Therapy, and now runs her own business treating both horses and humans.
“The placement opportunities at Edge Hill were vital in advancing my skills as a therapist as I was able to put theory into practice and everything I had learnt started to come together. I was able to work with a range of sports clubs and really enjoyed travelling with the teams and being a member of the club.”
Chloe Greenwood
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Visualising Success: Tackling the Blues
Pioneering sports intervention programme raises awareness of mental illness
More than 100 Sport and Physical Activity students have contributed to an award-winning sport, physical activity and education-based mental health awareness programme that has engaged over 300 young people from some of the North West’s most deprived areas.
Tackling the Blues targets young people who are experiencing, or are at risk of developing, mental illness. The students have provided a range of interactive physical and classroom based activities which have been associated with positive behaviour change among children experiencing mental illness. They have also acted as peer mentors, undertaken various mental health and suicide prevention training courses, and carried out research on the impact of the programme as part of their academic studies. Tackling the Blues was recognised in 2016 with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community’ award at the Times Higher Education Awards, and has also been featured on Match of the Day and BBC Five Live, as well as influencing Government mental health and suicide prevention policy.
“In the last decade, rates of mental illness in children and young people have been increasing rapidly, with those living in areas of social and economic deprivation being most affected. It is absolutely magnificent to be recognised as being ‘best in class’ for our work with Edge Hill University on mental health.”
Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale MBE
Deputy Chief Executive of Everton Football Club and Executive Chair of Everton in the Community
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Visualising Success: Business Advice
Lucy Ricciardi
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Applied Sports Science)
During her studies, Lucy Ricciardi noticed a lack of physiological testing facilities for athletes in her birthplace of the Isle of Man. She seized the opportunity and set up her own unique business providing tests and advice, saving athletes a trip to the UK.
While at Edge Hill, Lucy built up her analytical skills through voluntary work in the University’s laboratories, working alongside an accredited Sports Scientist. After graduation, Lucy set up High Performance Analysis Ltd, which provides high quality sports testing, including maximal oxygen uptake and lactate profiling for athletes. As well as testing people who simply want to know their current fitness level and how they can improve, Lucy now monitors some of the Isle of Man Sport Aid athletes who are currently racing and competing at national and international level.
“I didn’t know how far out my heart rate zones were until I completed the test with Lucy. I was actually overtraining. By adjusting my zones, I now feel more comfortable while running.”
Jon McGowan Triathlete, Isle of Man
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Visualising Success: Everton in the Community
Partnership tackles health inequalities through sport and physical activity
Since 2013, Edge Hill has worked with Everton in the Community, the official charity of Everton Football Club, on a ground-breaking partnership designed to improve the lives of people who live in some of the most socially and economically deprived communities in the UK, while enhancing the employability of Edge Hill students.
The collaboration has enabled hundreds of Sport and Physical Activity students to participate in a range of sport, education and health projects as part of their academic studies, on year-long placements and as volunteers. Students have also worked alongside Everton in the Community staff to monitor and evaluate programmes, develop applications for external funding, and assisted the delivery of professional development events for sport, education, health and wellbeing professionals. In 2015, the Department of Sport and Physical Activity launched the MSc in Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health, the first of its kind in the UK and Europe, in association with Everton in the Community.
“This partnership has grown as a result of a number of areas including the quality of the students who have consistently shown themselves to be independent as well as team-players, proactive, insightful, highly enthusiastic and having a real appetite to learn and develop.”
Michael Salla
Director of Health and Sport, Everton Football Club
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Visualising Success: The route to a great career
Ross Jones
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Applied Sports Science)
A wealth of practical experience and specialist knowledge of new sports training technology, gained during his time at Edge Hill, helps Ross Jones keep Fleetwood Town Football Club’s players in tip top condition.
While studying, Ross focused on developing his applied skills, particularly the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to analyse athletes’ performance. As well as undertaking a professional practice placement at Southport Football Club as a Sports Scientist/GPS Analyst, where he worked with the first team during their training sessions, Ross also completed a GPS workshop as part of his enrichment programme at Edge Hill. So, when Fleetwood Town FC were looking for someone to implement a GPS analysis system into its training programme, Ross had all the skills and experience they needed. Starting as Assistant First Team Sports Scientist, he excelled in his role and, in 2016, was appointed Head of Academy Sports Science and, is now responsible for training, analysis and monitoring strategies to enhance individual and team performance.
“I recently decided to continue my education at Edge Hill with an MRes in Sport and Exercise Science, which I’m studying alongside my full time role at the football club. The research I’m undertaking informs my practice as an applied practitioner.”
Ross Jones
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Visualising Success: Enterprising career for Sports Therapy student
Jo Kirton
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy
The combination of a First Class degree and a wealth of practical experience helped mature student Jo Kirton change her career and, ultimately, start her own sports therapy business.
During her time at Edge Hill, Jo embraced a variety of applied work-related learning opportunities and placements in clinical environments to complement her academic studies. These experiences, from a first aid placement to improve her pitch side skills, to looking at upper limb injuries in a factory setting, were crucial to the development of her clinical expertise and skills portfolio. Since graduating, Jo has worked as a Junior Sports Therapist for Fylde Rugby Club and a Soft Tissue Therapist with the English Institute of Sport, providing support for Team GB athletes. She now runs her own practice, Accelerate Sport Therapy, specialising in sports therapy, injury management and rehabilitation.
“As a mature student, the career change gave me an opportunity to completely change my life and way of thinking, and gave me a challenge to work towards a better future. The specific facilities and equipment available to students at Edge Hill gives that extra advantage when working in the sports industry.”
Jo Kirton
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Visualising Success: Working in Local Communities
Jack Mullineux
BA (Hons) Sport Development
MSc Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health
A desire to make a positive difference to people’s lives through sport motivated Jack Mullineux to devote his spare time to life-changing voluntary work and led to a rewarding career in community sports.
While studying for his degree, Jack played a key role in Tackling the Blues, an award-winning sports intervention programme, in partnership with Everton in the Community (the official charity of Everton Football Club), aimed at young people experiencing, or at risk of developing, mental illness. As part of the project, Jack worked as a Peer Mentor and Lead Coach, delivering sports sessions designed to improve young people’s mental and physical health. This practical experience of working with children and young people helped him to him to secure a youth-focused position with Preston North End Community and Education Trust on graduation. Jack’s knowledge of monitoring and evaluating the impact of sport, health and education programmes atPreston prepared him for his current role with Everton in the Community, where he works with Edge Hill students as Tackling the Blues co-ordinator.
“This role requires me to apply my organisational skills, as I have to lead on all aspects of the programme including the administration, management of small teams and staff, and the planning of multiple residential trips. The role is challenging and has enabled me to develop new skills.”
Jack Mullineux
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Visualising Success: Back of the net
Joe Lewis
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy
An industry-focused degree, coupled with outstanding opportunities for applied work experience, ensured Joe Lewis was ‘match fit’ for his dream job as a Physiotherapist at Liverpool Football Club.
During his degree, Joe was able to complement his studies with practical clinical placements, which gave him knowledge and skills he could take directly into employment. After graduating, Joe joined Wrexham FC as a Sports Therapist while training as a Chartered Physiotherapist. He moved to Liverpool FC as an Academy Sports Therapist in 2009, where he progressed to Academy Physiotherapist, before being promoted to Physiotherapist – a career goal that was made possible by his time at Edge Hill University.
“Without the course I would have never been given the opportunity to work at Liverpool. Having that highly regarded Sports Therapy degree, alongside voluntary work I was able to undertake, made my CV stand out to employers. The placement opportunities were the best part of the course as they allow you to consolidate your learning in a practical setting.”
Joe Lewis
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Visualising Success: From student teacher to teaching students
Jenny Fitchie
BA (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport
A First Class degree, a PGCE and a passion for inspiring a lifelong love of sport in all children gave Jenny Fitchie the edge when it came to securing a job in the competitive world of PE teaching.
She successfully applied to Liverpool’s prestigious and selective Bluecoat School where she took on the role of Teacher of Girls’ PE. Six months later, she was put in charge of Girls’ PE and rose to the added challenges of planning the department’s work and managing other staff while still completing her NQT year. Jenny has continued to develop as a PE practitioner, enhancing her managerial and leadership skills, and has recently gained further promotion to Subject Coordinator for Physical Education. In addition to her existing responsibilities, Jenny is now responsible for the Year 11 GCSE cohort as well as exam data and interventions, taking her a step closer to reaching her career goal of becoming Head of PE.
“My philosophy of Physical Education revolves around the physical, mental and emotional development of young people that hopefully leads to lifelong physical activity. My aim is to be a role model and someone who inspires young people in and through PE. Every child has the right to enjoy, fully participate and succeed in PE and sport regardless of their ability.”
Jenny Fitchie
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Visualising Success: A degree of self-belief
Vicky McIver
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Exercise and Health)
MRes in Sport and Exercise Science
Vicky overcame a lack of confidence in her abilities to achieve success at undergraduate and postgraduate level at Edge Hill, before securing a coveted funded place on a PhD programme.
During her undergraduate degree, Vicky completed a professional practice placement at Aintree University Hospital where she gained additional practical skills in the use of ECG and exercise stress tests. She presented her final year undergraduate dissertation at the BASES Annual Student Conference and this experience gave her the confidence to progress to postgraduate studies. During her MRes studies, investigating the impact of the time of day on the physical responses to group based exercise classes, Victoria gained valuable work experience as a Technician within the sport and exercise science laboratories to develop the competencies needed to pursue doctoral study. She is now on her way to a career in academia – a career path she originally didn’t think was an option for her – thanks to the ‘life-changing’ opportunities she gained at Edge Hill.
“When I initially started my undergraduate degree, I had very little confidence in myself, and my ability to be a successful student was very low. However, the staff at Edge Hill University gave me the confidence and motivation to achieve great things, and for that I will be forever grateful”
Vicky McIver
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Visualising Success: Playing it write
Ryan Leder
BA (Hons) Creative Writing
Ryan made the transition from Creative Writing student to Playwright, Producer and Founder of his own theatre company, Theatre in Black, while still at university.
As a component of the Cultural Economies module, Ryan completed a placement with Action Transport Theatre. Engaging with his placement gave him the confidence and determination to independently produce his first play Numbered Days, creating his own opportunities in the highly competitive arts industry. The inaugural production was supported by the Student Opportunity Fund, which covered the travel costs and living expenses of the cast and crew.
In the same week, Ryan graduated from his Creative Writing degree and opened the initial run of his production at The Core at Corby Cube. Numbered Days received critical acclaim and embarks upon a national tour this year, and Ryan was awarded the first Dame Janet Suzman Playwriting Prize which recognises, nurtures and develops students’ playwriting talents.
“Ryan got out there and became not only a playwright, but a producer. It has paid off, and his play will now be going on a national tour which will showcase his work to a wider audience, opening up more opportunities.”
Billy Cowan
Lecturer in Creative Writing
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