Former labourer's academic dream

Former labourer Hugh Mansfield wants to become a writer

A former labourer who suffered memory loss and was unable to walk or talk after an accident, has gained two A-Levels.

Hugh Mansfield, of Andover, Hampshire, was hit on the head by a piece of equipment in a DIY store.

In the aftermath, his marriage broke down and he became estranged from his three children.

His grade Cs guarantee him a place at King Alfred University College in Winchester to study English.

Repetitious revising

Mr Mansfield, who studied English literature, English language and communication studies, said: "It has not sunk in yet.

"Its amazing for me because with my memory being quite dodgy, I knew revising would be very hard.

"There was a lot of repetitious revising to prepare for the exams. I can't believe enough sunk in for me to get C-grades.

"I am so proud because it reinforces I can do things again.

He has been my inspiration because he was so motivated and so willing to overcome difficulties that he faced that he inspired me English tutor Louise Heffernan

After being treated at the Royal Hants Hospital in Winchester, Mr Mansfield spent a year in a respite care facility in Eastleigh, before being transferred to a rehabilitation centre for people with learning difficulties and disabilities.

There, the 48-year-old, who had temporarily lost his memory, had an uphill struggle learning to carry out simple everyday tasks.

It was during his years of rehabilitation that Mr Mansfield, who had no academic qualifications, decided to enrol at Cricklade College.

Encouraged by his English tutor Louise Heffernan, he discovered a love for English literature.

Ms Heffernan said: "He has been my inspiration because he was so motivated and so willing to overcome difficulties that he faced that he inspired me."

Mr Mansfield is now back in contact with his 16-year-old son Steven, who is about to enrol at Cricklade, and his two daughters Sarah, 18, and Clare, 20.