With the amazing news that the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2023 helped to raise £52,403 to enable disabled veterans access life-changing education, James Champion shares what it means to him to receive the Open University’s Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship.
Law student James, 50, made his childhood dream of becoming a helicopter pilot a reality while serving his country in the British Army. James couldn’t imagine doing anything else until he started experiencing seizures, which ultimately led to the devastating news that he would be medically discharged from service.
Finding a new path
“My whole future literally changed overnight,” James recalls. “Flying helicopters was what I’d always wanted to do, and I worked really hard to get there. It’s a loss that I’ll never fully get over.”
James has since been diagnosed with a complex mental health condition attributed to service, which has taken time to understand and learn to live with.
“I’ve had some tough times, but discovering I was eligible to study Law through The Open University’s Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship was a turning point,” James shares. “Learning is now a sanctuary for me. If I’m having a bad day with my mental health, I can lose myself in my studies and for that I feel incredibly blessed.”
The Open University’s Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund – the first of its kind in the UK – offers those injured during or due to service, an opportunity to access higher education, which can vastly improve their future career prospects and wellbeing.
Support to keep going
Working full-time, bringing up a family and finding time to study is a juggling act for James.
“If it wasn’t for the outstanding support I’ve received from my tutors and the Student Support Team, I think I would have imploded,” says James. “The support on offer at the OU is so much more than I could have ever imagined.”
Having initially lacked confidence in his ability to succeed in higher education, James now dares to look forward to achieving his degree.
“Getting a distinction for a Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) was a real milestone,” James remembers. “That was the moment I proved to myself that after everything I’d been through, I was capable of making the grade.”
“A huge thank you” to donors
An unexpected discharge leaves many disabled veterans like James unprepared for life after service, often with a lack of qualifications and work experience.
“I joined the Army straight from school, so I didn’t know anything else,” says James. “Being told I couldn’t fly anymore felt like trauma.”
Scholarships give veterans the opportunity to gain a higher education qualification and at the same time, develop their skills, knowledge and experience.
“I’ve had the opportunity to meet fellow recipients of these scholarships and I know what a difference they make,” James explains. “They take us to places we never thought possible.”
Life-changing scholarships are only possible thanks to the generosity of those who support the OU’s fundraising. James has the following message to donors:
“Without your generosity and kindness, I would never have been able to access the OU’s life-changing package of support and opportunities. I want to say a huge thank you for giving me the chance to boost my career prospects and improve my mental health. I’ll be forever grateful.”
