We know that for young people with a liver condition, heading off to university can throw up all sorts of issues, from coping independently with meds to concerns about the drinking culture. So, we are always excited to see our young people graduate and this year want to say a special ‘well done’ to Christopher and Emily.
Christopher has just received a first-class honours in Computer Networking from the University of the West of Scotland.
“This means a lot as Christopher’s time at school was limited and very hard going,” explains his mum, Angela. “He left school with very few exams completed due to his health. We always considered that his health was the priority and knew that if he was able to, he would go back and pick up his studies, which is exactly what he has done.
“We’re grateful to CLDF for helping him with confidence and fear so that he could function to the best of his ability with his Wilson’s disease and the side effects of meds and illness.
“Outside his studies, he plays rugby for his local Cumbernauld team, the Badgers, and has spent the summer working in a timber mill before taking up his place at Glasgow University to study computer science.
“Christopher has reached heights that previously we could have only dreamed of due to his health, and we couldn’t be happier as a family for him.”
Christopher with his girlfriend, Natalia
Emily’s mum, Kirsty, has no idea how she managed to achieve her BA in Costume Design and Making, as she was on the transplant waiting list for two of her three years at the Buckinghamshire New University.
“Emily was extremely focused, and we are all so pleased and proud that she achieved this with everything she had to contend with,” says Kirsty. “The call for her transplant came just 12 days after completing her degree! And graduation was only six weeks after her surgery.
“We were delighted that she was able to graduate with her peers. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster since with infections and now some rejection, but she is showing the same determination to get through it which she has for the past two years. We know that better times are possible!
Emily and her mum Kirsty at her graduation.
“Emily’s plan is to go into the film industry costume department and specialise in hand embroidery so watch this space!”
