Students from DLD College London, a multi-award-winning school in the heart of London, recently experienced an inspirational talk on resilience from ex-Sussex and Ireland international cricket player Andrew Patterson, who detailed his journey following a life-changing spastic paraplegia diagnosis – a rare hereditary disease that causes weakness and stiffness in leg muscles, severely affecting mobility.
Sharing valuable insights into the challenges that he faced, DLD students engaged in a thought-provoking workshop delivered by Andrew, paying attention to the highs and lows of his journey and learning how converting adversity into positivity can propel motivation. The former cricketer, who won 61 caps at international level, ended his cricketing career in 2002 and subsequently redirected his career towards sports education, before undergoing surgery in 2013, leaving Andrew wheelchair-bound for the foreseeable future.
Offering a candid outlook on the impact of his diagnosis, Andrew’s mantra on resilience firmly walked the line of pushing through adversity and maintaining a positive mindset through any challenges that life and education may present. Leaving a lasting impression on DLD students, the talk opened the floor for all-important discussions on using challenging situations and pressure as a force for growth as students prepare for exams, assignments and further education.
Fumi St-Marthe, Assistant Principal (Pastoral), DLD College London, commented: “The impact of Andrew’s talk will resonate with our students for a very, very long time. The challenges that young students face in today’s society can often leave them searching for motivation during hardship. Thank you to Andrew for sharing his experiences and leaving a lasting impression on our school community.”
Andrew Patterson commented: “From the moment I arrived at DLD College London, I knew it was a special place. There’s something about the atmosphere, the energy, and most importantly, the incredible students that made this visit truly memorable. It was an absolute privilege to speak with them, share my journey, and explore the power of resilience. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and engagement was inspiring.”
A school of diverse thinking and influences, housed in a futuristic building with cutting-edge facilities opposite the Houses of Parliament, London, is DLD’s classroom. Students aged 13 to 19 are offered the opportunity to study a wide range of GCSEs, A-Levels, BTEC courses and International Foundation Programmes (IFP). It also offers an Academic Preparation Programme (APC). In addition to several significant national award wins, DLD College London is also proud to be named by Tatler magazine, Good Schools Guide and Talk Education as one of the top schools in the UK.
DLD College London provides a ‘gold standard’ of educational quality. It is a school where students are respected, supported and honoured as individuals. Where they are immersed in the best possible environment to grow as successful and independent learners; where their vision can be made a reality, and where as happy and healthy people they feel free to make a contribution to the world around them, both now and into the future. The school’s beating heart is its award-winning wellbeing centre.
