Working with Oliver inspired me to turn a part time, one hour a day lunch-time assistant into a career as a teaching assistant which I can honestly say has changed my life.
Tom said Oliver and he, both from Burton-on-Trent, have developed a very strong connection over the years during which time he trained to be a teaching assistant to Oliver.
We have an amazing day-to-day working relationship where we can almost read one another’s minds. Understanding what he goes through each day really puts your own struggles into perspective.
I am now committed to ensuring as many children as possible have the best experience at school. I contribute, as much and as often as is feasible, to interventions and courses which enable children with additional needs to have the optimum chance of success.
This currently includes running Lego therapy sessions and the Welcome speech and language programme for Foundation Stage with a small groups in school.
He said:
Being instrumental in this type of provision and being able to lead interventions like this in school comes from a direct result of the training I have had to support Oliver.
It has been such a privilege to be able to support Oliver through the years. As you might imagine, we have had many ups and downs as Oliver has navigated his way through the challenges of school life. Oliver has an amazing sense of humour and makes me laugh daily. He continues to surprise and amaze me in everything he does, from his progress in handwriting, and speech and language, to being able to take part in P.E almost independently.
I have been able to ensure that he accesses the full school curriculum and does not miss out on anything that other children in his class have done. Over the years, I have also developed a close relationship with his family, sharing days out at the park together and the occasional evening meal at their house, often involving board games, as that is one of Oliver’s favourite past-times.
Tom, married with two daughters, is now a member of the learning support team at the academy having recently passed his Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification.
In September they will be heading into Year 6 and to celebrate the friendship which has deeply touched him. Tom plans to fundraise throughout the entire year for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
He said:
Starting things off with a challenge like The Great North Run seemed an obvious choice. After all, I don’t want Oliver saying I picked something too easy!
Training for the run is underway and Tom says Oliver never gives up, something he thinks about every time he laces up his running shoes to head out on a run.
In return, I would like to take at least some credit for his love of Star Wars and his ability to be sarcastic at exactly the right moment.
Tom hopes to encourage more people to get involved:
This is my first time taking on an event for Muscular Dystrophy UK and I have to say, it feels incredibly special and I’m really looking forward to it. Through fundraising, there is now a greater chance than ever for things like gene therapy, which in years to come could become a real possibility for Oliver and children like him.
To read more on Tom and Oliver’s incredible bond and to support Tom with his fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK, visit his JustGiving page.