A whole new range of options

‘Being totally blind, I have always used a laptop with speech to take notes and complete coursework. The Snowdon Award Scheme supported me by partially funding the purchase of a Pacmate - a computer with speech which also has a Braille display instead of a print screen, allowing me to see my work in tactile form.

‘As someone who is studying to work in radio the choice to use Braille instead of speech is crucial. It allows me to participate in discussions when working in groups and take more accurate notes during lectures at university, but it also means that I can carry around interview questions and radio scripts in a more discrete and accessible form. It allows me to read news reports and programme scripts live on air, which would be impossible if I had to wait for my speech synthesizer to read it before I could repeat it.

‘This new piece of equipment has opened up a whole new range of options for me, making me more independent both in study and on work placements. I could not have obtained it without the Snowdon Award Scheme.’

Danny Miles is studying creative media writing at Middlesex University.

I wanted to study more

‘When I was five, I lost both of my eyes to retinoblastoma, cancer of the retina. As I grew older, I found that I had a dream of travelling and seeing the world and helping people as so many have helped me. I obtained a dual degree in International Studies and History and then spent a year in the former East Germany, teaching English and learning German. But I wanted to study more.

‘When I applied to study at the University of Cambridge, I did not know how I would find support for readers and human assistance. Here, the Snowdon Award was able to help. It was the only grant I could find that would support international students studying in England. I will always endeavour to give back to my community and to my world in the same spirit that the Snowdon Award gave to me, helping to create opportunities and freedom for everyone to pursue their dreams.’

Christine Difato from Florida, USA is studying International Relations at Cambridge University

A new life

‘As well as retraining and rehabilitating me since sudden sight loss left me registered blind, my MA course deepened my lifelong love of the English language and proved that my disability wouldn’t get in the way of learning.

‘I have discovered the joy of teaching, greatly increased my perceptual abilities and completed voice courses. The growth in vocal awareness and proficiency felt like discovering, in a house I have lived in all my life, a new room.

‘I spent many months raising funds for my course and through this sometimes disheartening time, staff at The Snowdon Award Scheme always lifted my spirits.

‘The charity and its supporters have enabled me to begin a new life out of the ashes of the old. The best way I can think of to express my gratitude is to make the most of the opportunities I have been offered. And I shall.’

Giles Abbott, a performance story teller, has been supported by us while taking an MA in voice studies at the Central School of Speech and Drama, London www.gilesabbott.co.uk

Enjoying the independence

‘My course is brilliant so far. I’ve kept up with (and sometimes overtaken) the rest of my English group, and achieved a 2.1 in this year’s exams. The money The Snowdon Award Scheme kindly provided has enabled me to employ a full-time carer who helps me day-to-day as I find the course quite exhausting.

‘I love the independence, intellectual stimulation and friendships – all sorely missed in the years directly after my illness. If anything, I love literature even more than I did before and am considering further study.

Thank you for your support, I am succeeding in ways I thought impossible.’

Charlotte Charteris is reading a BA in English. She has multiple disabilities as a result of contracting meningococcal septicaemia.

Learning to type

‘The grant from you enabled me to buy a computer which has not just helped the practical side of college where, after learning to touch-type I now do writing and research in half the time; it has also helped me on a personal level. I cannot explain how much the computer has helped me, thank you ever so much.’

Jordan Avery is taking an AVCE business studies course at North West Kent College. She lost her sight following surgery on a brain tumour

Hugely enjoyable and interesting

‘Having travel costs to England paid for by yourselves was extremely helpful - removing some of the pressure of the first trip. The foundation year of my course at the University of Huddersfield has been a hugely enjoyable and interesting experience as a first-time student. I worked very hard all year, but also made room for plenty of other activities too.

So, I take this opportunity to thank you all once more for supporting me.’

Danny Rafferty is from Northern Ireland. He is taking a BA (Hons) in media and print journalism and has Duchenne muscular atrophy.

Living independently

‘My research involves investigating climate variability and change over southern Africa, with particular emphasis on rainfall. The Snowdon Award has enabled me to live independently and be in a situation where I can pursue an academic career. It paid towards PA administration and also greatly helped in making up the shortfall of funding from various official bodies such as the Local Education Authority who, for reasons still unclear to me, consider postgraduate students to need less funding than undergraduates.’

Charles Williams is researching his Mphil/Dphil in geography at the University of Sussex. He has spinal muscular atrophy and rheumatoid arthritis.

Fuelled by success

‘I am very pleased to tell you that I have been awarded a PhD from Cambridge University engineering department. The title of my thesis was The modelling of solid oxide fuel cells for power generation.

‘I am now working for Synnogy, a ‘new energy technology’ consultancy company, helping companies and government institutions to develop strategies to introduce clean energy. I am also working evenings and weekends at Arcola Theatre in Hackney, London. I have great plans to combine these two jobs with the learning from my PhD and create the first self-sufficient, renewably (fuel cell) powered theatre in the world!

‘I am eternally grateful to you and your supporters for helping me to finish my PhD. I simply could not have done so without the support that I received.’

Ben Todd received funding for typing support when he became incapacitated by repetitive strain injury (RSI).

Funding gap

‘I have had a very good first year at Southampton Institute and have managed to develop my IT skills thanks to my Snowdon award. It has filled a critical funding gap and has helped me enormously to fund my travel and accomodation. I have not got my final exam results yet, but so far I have passed all tests and in some units I have got merit marks.’

Argha Banerjee is taking an HNC/D in computing. He has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair for mobility.

Essential kit

‘The powerchair that was part funded by my Snowdon grant has helped me so much during my first year at Brasenose College, helping manoeuvre the cobbles and courtyards as I go to lectures or to meet friends. University is hard work but extremely worthwhile and I have a good set of friends, a great social life and have met lots of interesting and well-known people. My coursework is going well and I am on schedule for a good 2.1 in my Prelims. My thanks to everyone at The Snowdon Award Scheme who made the grant possible.’

James Apperley is taking a BA in history (modern) and politics at Oxford. He is 19 and has cerebral palsy.

A new freedom

‘My first year at Cambridge University was very difficult. My lectures and supervision took place in different locations all over Cambridge. I found it very difficult to get to them since my wheelchair was not in good repair so I couldn’t wheel myself. I frequently had to rely on taxis which were unreliable. Socially things were tough since I could not afford the taxis to clubs and societies or just to meet with friends.

‘The Snowdon Award Scheme offered me a large contribution toward a new state-of-the-art wheelchair, custom-made to my measurements. My new wheelchair has helped me enormously. I no longer have any problems getting to my lectures and supervisions. I recently passed my driving test using a hand-controlled car and am able to take my wheelchair apart once in the driving seat. So, I have the freedom not to rely on taxis and it has been a popularity boost as I can offer lifts to my friends!

‘I don’t feel socially disadvantaged any more since I can get to social events. Indeed I have played my cello with chamber ensembles in a number of concerts. My academic life has greatly improved and I am thinking of a career in academia, heading to America this summer to look at graduate programmes.’

More confidence

‘My newfound confidence encouraged me to became the treasurer of the university’s undergraduate philosophy society, subsequently becoming the faculty’s undergraduate representative and being voted faculty liaison officer, a job with a seat on the Cambridge University Student’s Union executive committee. Some of the things I have done in my role as undergraduate representative have included organising and end of year garden party for all of the philosophy undergraduates and giving talks at the faculty open days.’

A snapshot

‘Really this is just a snapshot of what I have been up to over the last year. I cannot begin to explain just how much my new wheelchair has helped me or express my thanks to all those involved in the charity. It is a wonderful organisation as it enables disabled students like myself to live the life of any other student. Thank you.’

Rachael Wallach is partially paralysed following surgery for a benign brain tumour and a subsequent spinal injury.

A good year

‘Funding from the Snowdon award has allowed me to pay care costs and therefore participate in university life, as any other student would, Both academically and socially. University has allowed me to live relatively independently, living away from my family. My first year has been a good year, during which I have made some good friends, especially with my flat mates. I have found my course in politics and international relations interesting and for the most part enjoyable.’

Edward Last has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and is currently a university student reading politics and international relations.

University every day

‘I am at Leeds university doing a PhD in psychology and focusing on the problems of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

‘My DSA allowance is only £5370pa and this will only let me have access to a university-supplied assistant for about 2 to 2.5 days per week. The Snowdon award allows me to be at university every day and work with all the other postgrad students as a normal student.

‘Unfortunately I do not know what I will do when the award runs out as there does not seem to be any other organisation like it. What a shame as it is superb!’

Nicholas Almond has a 2:1 BSc in psychology. He has athetoid cerebral palsy.

A lifeline

‘I have two chronic health problems, autoimmune hepatitis and autoimmune bowel disease. The combination of these means that even the effort of studying can prove difficult and painful.

‘Thanks to my grant, I now have a desktop computer that means that I don’t have to grip a pen. I also have a PDA that makes it easy to keep notes of all the things I need to do for college. It has a handy alarm that means I don’t miss my deadlines!

‘These of course are the easy-to-see things that the Snowdon award has given me… But the grant that I have been awarded has provided a lifeline without which I would not have been able to continue at college.’

Simon F is studying AS levels in law, photography and IT at Sussex Downs College.

Learning the systems

‘I would like to say how grateful I am to your charity for the extra money for my communication needs while studying. It has really cheered me up and has given me the opportunity to continue with my chosen course and achieve my goals in life as I feel that I am a young, ambitious and motivated undergraduate student.

After I graduate I would like to work in networking systems, in IT service/system development and as a technical advisor. I am also planning to study for the Cisco Certification in Networking System professional examination. I understand that this is the highest qualification that can be acquired in networking and would improve my employment prospects. The other options I am considering are to study a Master of Science or Master of Research.’

Jonathan Ko is studying computer science at Staffordshire university. He has Usher syndrome so he has been profoundly deaf since birth and his eyesight will deteriorate with time.

Never give up

‘I want to say thank you for my grant which funded extra communications support in my final year. I always feel I try harder than others so I would say to other deaf students – do not give up, just because we are deaf, it does not mean we are different.’

Maria Barroso is a ceramics design graduate, from the London College of Communications.

Encouraging others

‘I had to have more expensive accommodation while studying at university as the cheaper halls were not accessible wheelchair users. I was lucky enough to be offered help from The Snowdon Award Scheme with part of my accommodation bill and some money towards any extra living costs incurred due to my disability.

‘This made it possible for me to continue my studies whereas in other circumstances I may have had to drop out due to the unavoidable financial pressure on myself and my family. I completed my BSc (Hons) in equine science in 2002. I am now training for the Paralympics in dressage. I also have a place on an MSc in equine sports science that I hope will enable me to pursue a career in competitor analysis and consultancy in dressage alongside my own competitive career.

‘Being at university and completing my degree taught me to work hard to get what I want out of life and that it is better to ask for and accept assistance in whatever form is necessary… thank you once again, and I hope that maybe my story will encourage others to go out there and prove to themselves that they can achieve their dreams despite their disability.’

Louise Jeffreys has cerebral palsy and a long term back injury caused by breaking it twice in falls from horses. She uses a wheelchair and a walking frame for mobility and studied at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire.

Belief in me

‘I’m hoping to complete my doctoral thesis sometime next year and the laptop has helped to bring that horizon much closer. Thank you once again for your sustained support and belief in me as an individual.’

Barbara Barnett is studying social science at the University of East London. She has multiple sclerosis and Ehler Danlos syndrome.

Learning the law

‘Hello Snowdon people! Well I am sat here at my new laptop emailing you using the university network. I can never use most of the university computers as the spaces are too cramped for me to get into the seat – now I have a whole desk to myself… it has brought huge amounts of relief and support to my life.’

Emily Fieran-Reed had to give up her previous nursing career due to a back injury and is now reading law at City University, London

So positive

‘So many things are possible with a notebook computer. And only possible with a Snowdon award.’

Jane Fleming is reading an MA in geography. She had sudden sight loss 14 years ago.

Up-to-date

‘My eye disorder makes it necessary for me to purchase up-to-date engineering software packages on my home workstation. The grant has enabled me to use and learn such industrially-used tools more effectively and subsequently improve my understanding and academic studies…’

Peter Hanlon studied a BEng (Hons) in automotive engineering with design at Coventry University and has an eye disorder.

Fulfilled my dreams

‘I have had an incredibly busy year, both academically and socially. My history course is brilliant – constantly challenging but also very interesting and rewarding.

Before getting the scooter, I had not realised how important my independence and mobility would be to me. Now, however, I know that I would not have achieved so many things or enjoyed this year so much without it. The award has prevented my lack of physical mobility from ‘disabling’ me and has allowed me to fulfil my dreams.’

Siân Pooley is studying at St John’s College, Cambridge and has physical mobility problems.

It’s wonderful

‘Thank you for the microlink – it’s wonderful. I use it in college to listen to the teachers, for music on the computer, and at home to watch TV.’

Jon Sheffield is profoundly deaf and became a college student.

You always deal with people

‘I’ve been making full use of the laptop I purchased with my Snowdon grant… the technology is superb and, given a bit longer, I may just discover how I can get my computer to read back my German literature essays to me! And you know the other really nice thing about The Snowdon Award Scheme? You always deal with people - this is so different from others where it is always forms, forms, forms!’

We supported Caroline Golding while she was taking her ‘A’ levels in German, art and drama. A brain tumour has left her with partial paralysis and loss of vision.

Best year of my life

‘My Snowdon Award went towards taxi transport during my studies helping me reach leactures and consequently exceed my expectations and receive excellent results for all the subjects I studied this year. I have also become involved in several university clubs and made many great friends… my health in general has improved, but especially my walking ability… to the extent that towards the latter part of the year I have been able to cope without the use of taxis.

‘I cannot stress enough how important a role you have played in enabling me to take this next step. I would like to once again pass on my appreciation to you for making this one of the best years of my life.’

Alastair Leggate read business studies at the University of Edinburgh. He was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in 1996.

Changing direction

‘Being able to buy a handy laptop computer may seem a small point to people ‘on the outside’ but it potentially means a change in life direction for someone like me.’

Angie Reeve had to give up a successful nursing career due to a back injury. She went on to study a MSc diploma in social studies at Aberdeen.

Foreign exchanges

‘In being deaf myself, I feel proud of all the things I have accomplished for myself. I dedicate myself to motivating others by many different ways, especially through youth exchanges with foreign counterparts.’

Tyron Woolfe was supported during his PhD in developmental psychology at Sheffield University.

Higher standards

‘The grant allowed me to buy a computer which has given me the freedom to be imaginative with my work and finish projects to a much higher standard. It also provides me with the possibility of exploring what I learn further in my own home.’

Israel Vidal gained a BTEC in graphic design at the London College of Communication.

Helping write notes

‘My Snowdon award has made things easier. I can have someone taking notes instead of missing most of the information and getting a stiff neck! I can buy books and photocopy things which is far more convenient.’

Sarah Fletcher took an MA in contemporary European studies at Loughborough University.

It’s an honour

‘I felt honoured by your consideration and your encouragement… having access to a computer at home meant I could do my assignments on time and spend time with my children.’

Florence Labwo took a business and health studies course at East London University.

Helping people communicate

‘It will enable me to communicate more effectively. People will be able to understand what I am saying. Conversation and making friends will be more natural and flowing. It will improve my college work.’

Rebecca Cooper received funding towards a communication aid while on a skills course at Gateway College, Leicestershire.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

‘Since I received the award, I have gained several certificates as part of my NVQ business administration and IBT course. It has also helped me while doing the silver Duke of Edinburgh Award skills and community service sections. Without the grant for computer, I could not have accomplished any of this.’

Chris Thompson was supported while he took a diploma in word processing at Teesside Tertiary College.

All the world’s a stage

‘I am confident that my studies have prepared me for working as an actor at a high standard… of course, without your support this may not have been possible and I would like to emphasise my gratitude for your help in making this year one of the most valuable of my life.’

Simon Balcon studied acting at the Drama Studio London.

Learning the Alexander Technique

‘My course is over three years and it is very expensive. It looked for a while that I might not have sufficient money to complete it – the award has been a life-saver in easing these concerns and I will be forever grateful for the amazing support it has given me.’

Patricia Wade, who has multiple sclerosis, trained in the Alexander Technique at the Constructive Teaching Centre, London.

Start all over again

‘Overall, the last two years at university have been brilliant and I’m really sorry it’s nearly over – finally out into the real world! The grant for my computer software from you, along with all the other help and support I received from other people made it so easy to settle in and feel normal. I wish I could have my two years back to start over again.’

Ann Coleman has cerebral palsy and received an award to support her librarian and information studies degree course at Loughborough University.

Opening the door

‘I was having doubts as to whether university was an option for me at all. With this financial support however, I am now able to pursue a degree course and cope with the health difficulties I have. I really cannot thank you enough, or say how grateful I am to The Snowdon Award Scheme and its trustees… I intend to work hard and succeed at university which I hope will also be a ‘thank you’ for making it possible.’

Nigel Preisner studied English literature and drama at the University for Central Lancashire.

Radio star

‘I graduated last week with a postgraduate diploma in radio journalism, thanks to your kind help… I know I couldn’t have taken my post-grad without your support. I feel sure that without that qualification I wouldn’t have the opportunity of working for the BBC. I will always remember the life-changing assistance your scheme has given me.’

Kirsteen Knight, who developed multiple sclerosis while training to be a dancer, re-trained at Bell College in Scotland.

Chasing ambition

‘Using my Snowdon grant to help pay for interpreters, I have completed my Masters and am now working with deaf people who have severe mental health problems in south London. I hope to gain experience in this area and pursue further training to become Britain’s first deaf clinical psychologist. I gained a commendation for the Masters but must stress that I would not have been able to achieve this at all without the support of your organisation.’

Joanna Atkinson is deaf and has gained a Masters degree from Bristol University. was awarded funding towards interpreter costs

Scooting around

‘In the short time that I have had my electric scooter, it has already given me immense freedom and a wonderful sense of independence,’

Naomi Spencer, studied biomedical science at the University of Portsmouth. She has leg and hip problems that have affected her mobility.

Opening doors

‘If someone had asked me three years ago what I would be doing, I don’t think my answer would have been, ‘I’ll have an MA in disability studies, be working for the University of Exeter and living in Exeter City, 30 minutes from my family.’ I know people say that, ‘education opens doors’, but I never dreamt that it could open opportunities like this. I hope this encourages everyone involved with you. The Snowdon Award Scheme took a chance on me. I came to you with nothing but a good argument. I’ve left with a new and exciting life; that’s some award!’

Rachel Purtell was supported by us during her MA. She has brittle bone disease.

Gaining control

‘Going to university was a frustrating daily event. From the minute I left my house I lost my independence. I could not get out on my own, nor lift my wheelchair in or out of my car. Accessible entrances to lecture rooms were frequently at the bottom or top of ramps or round the others side of a building – proving too difficult for me to manage alone. Relying on someone to push me meant they were in control. No one liked looking for books in the library – so I hardly used it. Without assistance I wouldn’t have been able to attend three quarters of my lectures, would never have bought any food or drink and wouldn’t have been able to access the toilet.

Thankfully, with your help, this all changed! I now had a titanium-framed wheelchair and I became an ‘independently-mobile’ student. I was able to lift my own chair and push myself to lectures. For the first time I could get myself over door thresholds, even up and down kerbs. I used the library, went home when I liked and even stayed behind for a quick pint with friends. Thank you for your continued help and support – you really have changed my life!’

A new wheelchair transformed student life for Tina Watkinson.

Industrious

‘I would definitely not have been able to attend the university without your support.’ Transport within and off campus proved a challenge for Clive but our award enabled him to make reliable, flexible arrangements that enabled him to be in the right place and the right time. Having gained his MSc, he is now part way through his PhD, working with local industry.

Clive Richardson was a successful building contractor who lost his right arm and incurred spinal damage in a motorcycle accident. A few years ago he retrained as an architectural technologist at the University of Huddersfield.

Sitting comfortably

‘The scheme gave me a grant to help purchase the wheelchair, trike, cushions and other equipment to enable me to move around the very hilly terrain of my campus safely. I keep warm and dry in the cold and rain, have access to the laboratories and sit comfortably and supportively for my lectures.’

‘Without this help I would not have been able to return to my studies so soon after the accident and continue to keep up with my peers, for which I am very grateful.’

Hélène Raynsford studied medical biochemistry at Royal Holloway University of London. She had a medical accident five weeks before the start of her final year, and she now needs a wheelchair for mobility.

Helping lighten the load

‘Every time I use my chair I remember how difficult it used to be getting around with a heavy wheelchair and no hoist. The size and weight of the chair means that I can access lifts, doorways and desks at university – it’s just great!’

We funded the cost of Angie Shipp’s lightweight wheelchair while she was taking a PhD/MSc in social research methods training.

It’s electric!

‘The electric wheelchair has allowed me to function more freely as an independent minded and strong-willed person. I can only hope that the scheme can help to change the lives of other disabled students in education in the same way it has for me. Once I became involved it became clear that Snowdon equals ‘Snow problem!’

We supported David Snook with the costs of an electric wheelchair as he began a joint honours degree in history and English.

Putting things ‘write’

‘Receiving the Snowdon award has given me an enormous confidence boost, as well as helping me financially, amongst other things, with a laptop to pursue my studies at the British Library.

‘Above all, it is a relief to experience that such projects exist, that there are people who care, understand and act... The Snowdon Award Scheme make a better world for quite a few people, including me!’

Susana Medina became deaf as an adult, due to a rare immunological illness. A novelist, she has just completed her PhD/Mphil in Hispanic studies

Being ‘outside the box’

‘I would like to share, very briefly, my story and why Lord Snowdon and his award scheme has been and is so fundamental in changing the lives of a great cross-section of people over the last 25 years.

‘After an early successful acting career, I went on to become the Spanish casting director for the BBC soap Eldorado. Yes, that fabulous success of the early evening programming schedules!

‘During my time on the series my disability began to show itself. In the mid-nineties I found myself back in London with a diagnosis of acute rheumatoid arthritis, and no independent way to support myself. I needed to change direction and undertake work that would allow for my disability.

‘My local Jobcentre disability advisor could only offer me inappropriate basic training and my social worker quite seriously suggested that ‘I settle down to a life on benefits and work voluntarily for a charity to keep my mind active’. It was a very low point in my life. Then in my thirties, only Lord Snowdon’s charity was willing to support me to re-train, as I fell outside the age range of the other charities I approached.

‘Lord Snowdon provides a critical pathway for people like me – he, his trustees, his hard working selection panel and a really committed small team of staff gave me back hope – real hope. They treated me with dignity – they gave me back purpose and they offered, with some very real practical assistance, to give me a second chance.

‘The rest is history, I went on to change directions and I am now employed by The Disability Partnership, and have a very active role in ensuring that the Civil Service begin to lead the way in disability best practice.

‘My story will be very different from that of other beneficiaries of the scheme, but the thing that we share in common is that we fall ‘outside the box’. The solutions that are needed are as varied as the number of disabled individuals that ask for help.

‘On behalf of the 1,400 students supported so far and the hopefully, many more to come, I give Lord Snowdon our gratitude and respect for his vision and continued support – it is a real beacon for us all.’

Chloe Franks had support from us when she had to rethink her entire career.

Pathway to tremendous career

‘I made an application to the Snowdon Award Scheme upon referral from a friend. Being so close to their deadline and having no prior experience with applications of this nature, I initially felt sceptical. However, the application was a straightforward and successful procedure, and has proved vital in my career and personal development.

‘Using the grant to finance notetakers’ remuneration and large print photocopying, I successfully completed a course in German to supplement my degree in physics at Bristol University. Managing the grant was incredibly flexible and all issues were dealt extremely well by your friendly and experienced team.

’Not only did I outperform everyone else in that class, but also went on to win the British Council’s International Student of the Year Award in 2005. Since meeting the Snowdon team in person at the House of Commons, I have travelled to a number of countries around the world – sometimes on my own. Having run several half marathons, I am among the few disabled runners from Pakistan to have completed the London Marathon.

‘Now working at Unilever R&D as part of my sandwich placement ­– under a brilliant scientist from Germany – the pathway to tremendous career and self improvement has been set out for me. All being well, I intend to complete my degree and look for a PhD at an internationally acclaimed institution.

However, for now, I am just happy to live an independent and active life, and am grateful to the Snowdon Award Scheme and all my well-wishers for their support, advice and assistance. Keep up the good work, and spread the joy around!’

Muzzamil Lakhani studied a course in German after being awarded a Snowdon grant.