A man whose parents died when he was just six-years-old turned his life around after a breakdown.
Stuart Baker, who now lives in Ormskirk but is originally from Liverpool, lived with a guardian following his mum and dad's death. Social services later intervened and the 41-year-old was eventually fostered, reports LancsLive.
He said his experiences had already left their mark and he says he struggled growing up. At school he felt he didn’t fit in, he was later expelled and left with no qualifications.
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Stuart, who is now a proud dad to a newborn baby, said: "I always loved learning, when I first started at school I was in all the top sets, but I fell in with a bad crowd and lost my way, eventually leaving with no GCSEs."
Despite this, he managed to gain a place studying business at college, went to catering school and has had a varied career working as a chef and running his own businesses. But Stuart faced more devastating setbacks.
Stuart's nan died and two friends, who were also care leavers, took their own lives. Stuart then lost his own business in 2019 which combined with the trauma from his past led him to suffer a breakdown.
Stuart said: "Everything was going well for a while, I was working hard and doing my best to stay afloat, but when I lost people important to me and my business went under all the feelings I’d bottled up since childhood came out. I was in a bad way for a few years suffering from severe depression.
“It was definitely the most difficult period in my life, but everything changed when I came to Edge Hill’s open day.”
After moving to Ormskirk he visited Edge Hill University for an open day and was drawn to biology. Given his past experiences in education he assumed he could never get into university, but after talking to the course tutors he was persuaded to apply for the Fastrack: Preparation For Higher Education course which starts with an extra introductory course to bring learners up to speed.
Stuart said: “I came to five different open days at Edge Hill looking at all the courses they offer. Coming onto the campus instantly made me feel like I could be a part of something and having new goals really helped me see a new path.
“I was fascinated by the biology course and talked to the tutors about my background and lack of formal education, but they made it clear that was no barrier to studying. They suggested I join Fastrack and I jumped at the chance.
“It’s been challenging, it's like learning a new language at times, but I’ve had a lot of support including being awarded a scholarship which has helped financially. I’ve now completed my Fastrack course and started my degree course, I love it.”
These days Stuart says he is finally settled, studying for a BSC (Hons) Biology degree at Edge Hill University and living in Ormskirk with his partner and newborn baby. He has rediscovered his love of learning and has ambitions to study for a Masters degree and PhD, eventually becoming an academic.
Offering his advice to future students Stuart said: “I’ve always just worked to pay the bills, but now I’ve got a passion for what I do. I want to learn everything I can and eventually I’ll be able to start a career I love. I also hope to give back and help other kids in care, passing on what I’ve learnt and helping them get a good start in life.
“I want to make it clear that anyone can go to university. No matter where you’ve come from and what has happened in life, how old you are or your educational background, university is an option.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about Fastrack courses at Edge Hill can book onto the Fastrack information evening taking place on March 9 5.30pm - 7pm.
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