Real stories

‘I graduated from university after my dementia diagnosis’

I’ve got dyslexia but it wasn’t diagnosed until 2010. When I was at school, back in the 60s, it wasn’t even heard of. I was basically written off.

I left school with seven CSEs and off I went into the world of work.

I did various jobs, all sorts of things. I made cabinets, worked on a building site and at a supermarket before I became a lorry driver. Eventually, I set up my own haulage company.

It’s the time-old thing – you want to provide for yourself and your family, so I just put my education to one side.

Why I started studying 

The reason I started studying in the first place was that I had a bad accident in the 2010s, which meant I couldn’t drive any more.

My wife Christine said, ‘You can sit there moping as long as you want but it’s not going to do you any good at all.’

I needed to find an outlet and decided to improve my computer skills, and my studying has gone from there!

I used to be a workaholic – all the energy that I used to put into work is going into learning now. I love it. My office wall is chock-full of certificates – everything from health and safety to leadership and logistics.

Receiving a dementia diagnosis

I was diagnosed with dementia around five years ago. I noticed my memory was going. I kept forgetting where I was going and what I was doing.

Later, I also received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s.

It’s not diminished my energy – I have a positive mental attitude and I’d like to think I’m pragmatic.

I started an online degree in business with Arden University before my diagnosis and finished it in 2025.

As well as studying, I’ve helped to set up a support group for people with young-onset dementia in my area. My dementia adviser Elaine and I agreed there was nothing meaningful on offer and we needed to do something. It’s thriving now.

I’m also part of a cancer support group called Let’s Talk Hope in West Bromwich, as I survived a brain tumour over 20 years ago.

Socialising with dementia

I’ve got lots of plans for the future. What can I say? I like being busy. I’d like to increase help and support, especially for those with Parkinson’s disease dementia.

I’m still studying – in fact, I’m about to start a master’s degree in supply chain management and logistics with Arden University.

I always encourage people I meet with dementia to be brave and stay active.

It helps you feel useful and connected, which is really important. You just need to find something that suits you!