I
n
s
p
i
r
i
n
g
R
e
s
i
l
i
e
n
c
e
Aligned with our whole school objective of ‘Inspiring the Pupil Experience,’ the Senior Prep School was thrilled to welcome Andrew Patterson last Friday. Andrew, a former first-class sportsman in cricket and hockey, captivated pupils and staff with his incredible life story and motivational message.
During his visit, Andrew shared his experiences in the world of elite sport and reflected on the profound life changes he faced following his 2013 diagnosis of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. Despite the challenges posed by this condition, Andrew’s message was one of resilience, adaptability, and optimism.
Speaking at the SPS assembly, Andrew emphasised the importance of how we choose to respond when life takes unexpected turns. His mantra, “There is always opportunity, even in setbacks,” inspired pupils to see challenges as chances for growth. He encouraged everyone to recognise and embrace the opportunities that can emerge from adversity, turning them into positives.
“ Thank you for your kind words and for giving me the opportunity to share my story with your students. It was truly a privilege to speak about resilience and the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Seeing the engagement, curiosity, and compassion in the room reminded me why I love connecting with young people—they are the future, and their potential to overcome adversity and make a difference is boundless. I hope my story inspires them to reflect on what they can control, what they can influence, and what they must accept in their own lives. Resilience isn’t about being unbreakable; it’s about finding the strength to rise after every fall. Thank you again for welcoming me into your school community. It’s experiences like these that make my journey even more meaningful. ” Andrew Patterson
