Greenock Telegraph | News | Brave Barry shows degree of courage

Friday, 21st November, 2008

Published: Friday, 15th March, 2002 00:00

Brave Barry shows degree of courage

BRAVE Barry Lees, who suffered horrific brain injuries in a car crash, has beaten all the odds to gain an Open University degree.

Barry, from Greenock, has twisted double vision which causes difficulty walking and reading.

He also suffers from poor memory, epilepsy and is registered partially-sighted.

But that didn't stop him from persevering with his studies. And today he said that he couldn't have done it without the help and support of his wife Norma.

Barry (43) studied a wide variety of subjects for his Bachelor of Science degree, including sociology, psychology, renewable energy, environment and physics.

He said: "All the hard work has been worth it. Sometimes it could be a bit stressful. A lot of people think Open University is the easy option, but it involves a lot of graft."

Barry applied to the Open University in 1985 while working as a hospital pharmacy technician.

While on holiday in the Highlands his car was struck by another and he spent four weeks in a coma. He is now registered disabled and had to give up his job because of his condition.

He said: "I soon became aware that I needed mental stimulation at least as much as physiotherapy, so I contacted the university again to study social sciences."

Barry began his course in 1994, but had to take a few years out when his health deteriorated.

He said: "The great thing about the university is you don't have to do it continuously. You can take a year out or ten years out. It lives up to its founding ideals. It is accessible to anyone."

He said: " My wife Norma has been a great help. She organised my study time and reminded me when it was time to stop playing a game on the computer."

Barry's graduation will take place at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall in May and will be attended by mum Sarah Wilson, stepfather Bill, and Norma, who said: "I am really proud of Barry's achievement."

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