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Students Jonathon and Alfie share one driving motivation, that is to help other people as a way of giving back for the care that they have received.

For Jonathon (Jonny), 18, that was during his battle with cancer, an experience that he said: “Has made me want to make life easier for others.”

While Alfie had to face multiple surgeries as a teen, leaving his legs in cages for several months. 

He said: “People were curious, and they would stare, especially at school and you do get those that would say cruel things.  It took time, but I had to learn to live with that.  Now I want to be in a career where I can help other people, facing similar situations to what I went through.”

Jonny and Alfie both are now studying health and social care at Stockton Riverside College, where their commitment to their studies, after overcoming extraordinary challenges, has seen them each receive a Helena Kennedy Foundation Award.

The national awards provide support to further education students who have overcome significant obstacles to continue their studies and realise their potential.

Alfie explained how his mum first noticed a significant change to his shape while shopping for shorts for a family holiday. Later diagnosed with genu varus, an outward curve of the legs, he underwent surgery in 2017.

Facing six months with figure of eight cages on his legs, he said: “It was very traumatic and there were times I struggled.” He was hit harder still to then be told that more surgery would be needed.

Today the 18-year-old from Thornaby still suffers pain from his legs and last year was also diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy.  He said: “It hasn’t been the easiest time, but it is part of my life now. People will look but this is me and I know there is nothing to be ashamed of.”

Fellow Stockton student Jonny was diagnosed with a brain tumour at seven. Undergoing 18 months of chemotherapy much of his own early school life was disrupted.

He said: “That was successful for eight years.” But in Year 11, at 16, the cancer returned and had spread to his spine.

After undergoing surgery to have the spinal tumour removed, in December 2019 he flew to Florida for 12-weeks of proton therapy, arriving home just before the first Covid lock-down struck.

Looking back, Jonny said: “I chose to study health and social care because of what’s happened to me.”

Missing much of his final year of school, he didn’t get the grades he wanted and so he said college has been his chance to show what he can do.  It was there he found his passion, supporting children aged 11 to 16 with special needs.

With practical work experience a fundamental part of the course, in the last year, he has spent 178 hours, and counting, on a placement at Northfield School and Sports College, his own former secondary school, working with young people with special needs. He only needed to do 75 hours for the whole year!

“I absolutely love it,” he said. “Seeing the kids’ faces when they ask, so excited, if I am going to be supporting them. It makes me smile to see them smile!"

Jonny and Alfie are among four Stockton Riverside College students to receive Helena Kennedy Foundation Awards this year.

Course leader Benjamin Painter said: “For the students within health and social care we expect the highest of standards embodied via courage, professionalism, commitment, endeavour, empathy and compassion and we are so proud to see some of our students being recognised for the continuous commitment and effort that they have demonstrated."

Jonny Kelly Alfie Oliver
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