In this episode, Heidi and Scott speak with Dan Richards, an elite athlete and OU student who received a Disabled Veterans Scholarship with The Open University in 2023. After serving in The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and later Afghanistan, Dan had a devastating motorbike accident which caused him to lose almost a quarter of his body. However, Dan refused to let ‘one bad day’ (his words) dictate the rest of his life. He soon began his progress back to recovery and to the military. After three more years, Dan was medically discharged, and after returning to live with his mum, a mixture of unemployment and depression caused him to question his future. However, a new job opportunity through Capstar Services and his relentless pursuit of his fitness goals (running, rowing and cycling), led him to the Invictus Games. He later joined The Open University in 2023 to study BSc (Hons) Sports, Fitness and Coaching. Dan’s story is one of perseverance, grit and determination, and one which we know will inspire so many. Be sure to follow him on Instagram @theonearmedwonder.

Please note, this episode details physical injury and includes two references to suicide.

In this special edition of the Student Hub Live Podcast, Heidi speaks to Rebekah. Rebekah is a mother to three children and is a year away from completing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with The Open University. She is a full-time carer to her eldest son, who requires 24/7 support, and was awarded a Carers Scholarship through the OU. In this inspiring conversation, Rebekah shares an array of insights into how she manages her time, stays motivated and outlines the barriers facing those looking to practise Law, especially women with caring responsibilities. This episode is designed to celebrate the amazing women out there raising their children while studying with the OU. Happy Mother’s Day. We would like to extend a huge thanks to our producer on this podcast, Sophie Hoyle, who works in the OU’s Development Office.

Enjoying the series? Be sure to rate us on whichever platform you download the podcast on and if you have any feedback, please email studenthub@open.ac.uk.

In this Student Hub Live podcast special, Heidi and Scott speak with Ayr, an OU student who has already completed a degree is Psychology and is now on to the next, History. Ayr overcame a series of personal difficulties when studying, and uses education as a positive mechanism for coping with challenging times. Please note that in this episode, Ayr discusses grief, including the loss of a sibling and parent. Ayr also outlines the adversity faced by young people with special educational needs struggling to be seen and understood in ill-equipped mainstream schools. It wasn’t until Ayr was almost thirty that formal diagnoses were finally made, including dyslexia and dyscalculia, meaning that finally, support could be put in place, and Ayr could thrive. Ayr sees the OU as a route to mental wellbeing and happiness for so many and encourages everyone to give it a try.