Paralympic athlete inspires graduates at Havering College of Further and Higher Education
Hornchurch, Greater London (PRWEB UK) 14 November 2013 -- Martine, who lost both legs in the 7/7 terrorist attacks on the London underground, was the guest of honour at a prestigious event held in a marquee at the college’s Ardleigh Green Campus in Hornchurch, Greater London.
Martine, who is the captain of the Great Britain sitting volleyball team, delivered a motivational speech to more than 250 graduates, their families and friends.
She told the 800-strong audience how she has rebuilt her life since the terror attack. Martine spent ten months in hospital before learning to walk again with prosthetic legs which she removes to play volleyball. Aside from her remarkable sporting achievements Martine has skied, skydived and learned to fly.
Martine, who plays in a No 7 shirt in recognition of the day that changed her life, said: “People ask me if I am angry that it happened and I can truly say, hand on heart that I am not because I am doing things now that I never even dreamed of. New dreams can come out of the worst situations.”
The mother-of-one concluded by telling graduates: “Whatever happens to you in life, you can achieve your dreams. It does take hard work, it does take resilience and it does take support but you are in a position to achieve anything you want. Anything you set your mind to, work at it and just keep going. Don't give up. Never give up. You can achieve your dreams.”
Havering College principal Maria Thompson said: “Every student has achieved something very special, often juggling work in the context of a full time or part-time job as well as a busy family life.
“I am sure Martine’s words will inspire students to work hard as they further their careers.”
● Havering College of Further and Higher Education is the sole provider of higher education in the London Borough of Havering and is proud of its important role in offering students greater choice with good courses at competitive prices.
The college offers more than 30 higher education high quality programmes which include degrees, post graduate qualifications, HNC and HND courses.
With charges no higher than £6,345 in 2013/14, higher education fees at Havering College are significantly lower when compared to the same courses at a university.
Class sizes at Havering College are smaller with students receiving more individual tutor contact time than at a university. Success rates at Havering College are high.
There are higher education courses in Fine Art, Construction, Counselling, 3D Design, Early Years and Childcare Education, Engineering, Fashion, Graphic Design, IT/Computing, Media, Music & Technology, Performing Arts, Teaching and Social Work.
For further information call 01708 462793, email he(at)havering-college(dot)ac.uk or visit the website at http://www.havering-college.ac.uk.
Kathy Canham, Havering College, http://www.havering-college.ac.uk/, +44 0-170-846-2702, [email protected]
Share this article