A SKIPTON man has overcome enormous odds to gain a degree from the Open University.

Peter Taylor, 56, of Spencer Walk, spent more than a year in hospital following a road accident in Poland which left him with only one leg.

Peter also lost the ability to read and has battled back over the last few years to be awarded a Master of Business Administration degree.

"I started studying for the degree 10 years ago when I was working as a business administrator because it seemed appropriate at the time," he told the Herald.

"But I was involved in a road accident, suffered multiple injuries and was hospitalised from just under a year."

He added: "If you're in hospital for that length of time you lose the power to read and write.

"When I came out of hospital I couldn't even read a newspaper or remember my own telephone number!"

Peter was determined to complete his degree and set about a programme of getting his life back together along with his reading and writing abilities.

"You just have to concentrate on the things you used to be able to do," he said.

"It was very painful and took a long time, but I had a lot of encouragement from a great number of people."

Because of the time scale, assignments he had previously completed had to be submitted again, but his determination eventually paid off.

"I gained 100 per cent in one assignment, which is almost unheard of in the Open University," he said proudly.

"I was also supported all the way by my wife, Janet, a tutor, and the Open University, who were extremely helpful."

Now unable to go back to his original job due to his disabilities, Peter is completing a computer course at Craven College.

"Ultimately, I'd like to do something in the voluntary sector and put something back into the community," he said.

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