Sixth Form Changemakers: Facing Adversity

On Thursday 7^th February our Lower Sixth enjoyed another thought-provoking talk in the Oakleaf Diploma Changemaker series. Intended to inspire students to understand the practical ways in which they can use their own talents to be a changemaker, the talks are delivered by a range of speakers, keen to share their diverse journeys. The one thing that they have in common is that they have all done good in the world. Alex Wallace (Deputy Head Academic) who organises the talks, commented, “I think the changemaker talks give our students a chance to meet people who have made a real difference to society and for students who meet these people, it makes their own dreams perhaps a little bit more of a reality.”

Today it was the turn of Andrew and Susie Vaughton to take to the stage as they shared their experiences with the Year 12s. Andy was diagnosed in 2021 with Motor Neurone Disease, a progressive illness for which there is currently no cure. Although he has had to move away from his career as a GP, Andy embraces opportunities that are available including the chance to run, play golf and tennis and to get involved in research for Motor Neurone Disease. Susie responded to Andy’s diagnosis by giving up her own GP role to become a full time novelist. The couple were enthusiastic about the importance of expecting the unexpected, taking chances and being resilient.

Alex reflected, “It was interesting for students to hear how Andy is overcoming adversity, despite struggling every day with adversity and it helps our Sixth Formers to reflect on the difficulties they are facing or will face in the future, and I hope it helps them to keep those difficulties in perspective. You don’t always know your own limits and you need to be brave and courageous, to follow your dreams or your passions because you can surprise yourself. Sometimes it takes a bit of adversity for you to work that out.”

In the Summer of 2022, Deputy Head (Academic), Alex Wallace and Andy took part in a world record breaking touch rugby beach game. 22 member of the sandbaggers rugby team successfully attempted a Guinness World Record for playing rugby continuously for the longest time. The game lasted for 34 hours and involved 140 volunteers who to support the players, including a team of physios to help the two 11-a-side teams manage the challenges of playing on sand. Alex was delighted that the team’s efforts made a difference to the futures of many people suffering from the disease through the charities who received the funds, MND Association and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Alex explained, “The group raised over £140,000 for Motor Neurone Disease which makes a significant impact for the charities as they not only support families with Motor Neurone Disease but also funds research because unfortunately at the moment there is no cure.”