Tom Hart

Moray College UHI student of the year 2011

Tom’s “dogged determination” to achieve a degree, while coping with epilepsy and Asperger syndrome, has seen him so far complete two HNCs and an HND in Interactive Multimedia.

The memory loss Tom’s epilepsy causes means he must meticulously record everything he is taught. He carries medication with him at all times, and a support worker is available to assist his medical needs.

Tom’s work ethic is described as “second to none” and his positive experience means he is always keen to defend the rights of people with disabilities to access education.

He is also a qualified yachtsman, and has taken part in the Tall Ships Race with the Jubilee Sailing Trust. A keen rock climber, he recently completed a sponsored 600ft ascent of the Ardverikie Wall, Kinlochlaggan, to raise funds for the trust.

He said, “I am surprised and delighted to win this award. I never expected anything like this.”