Achieving against the odds
Matthew Carnelley’s A Level results are testament to his determination to succeed. The QE student today received A Level results in PE, Psychology, General Studies and Business which will take him on to Leeds Metropolitan University to study a degree in Sports Coaching. Diagnosed with hydrocephalos at 6 weeks after having contracted meningitis 6 days after birth, he has had numerous operations over the years. He has actually been treated in 9 hospitals in this country and abroad when the shunt which drains the fluid from his brain needed attention. Matthew’s results are a culmination of his determination, perseverance and desire to be involved in sport – particularly sport in the community.
Matthew is exceptional and has lived a normal, active life excelling in sport, particularly football.
Matt says:
"My parents have always worried about me and were initially cautious about me being involved in sport but I love football and in my early teens was signed up by Middlesbrough FC. My ambition was to be a professional footballer but it wasn’t to be and recently I’ve been dogged by injury which has even prevented me from playing A team football for QE. Realising I wouldn’t be able to pursue a professional footballing career I had to re-assess what I wanted to do and with the support of my teachers at QE, particularly PE teacher Mark Scott, I got involved with sport in the community and have done a lot of work with football for the disabled, particularly football for the blind. This week I’ve been volunteering in Hereford at the Football Blind World Cup – it’ been fantastic!
I haven’t found A Levels easy but have had a lot of support at QE and the staff there have been great. I’m looking forward to going to Leeds Met University and doing more voluntary work in the community.”
Teacher Mark Scott adds:
“Matt is a great student. His confidence and self belief have grown and he is an excellent ambassador for sport and for QE. His commitment to helping others to benefit from sport – football in particular - is outstanding and the work he is doing as a volunteer is to be commended. He deserves his success and I’m sure he will thrive in his future career coaching sport.”
August 19, 2010