A UNIVERSITY of Worcester student who returned to complete his degree just months after an horrific car accident left him with life-changing injuries has been presented with a prestigious and rare medal.
Mo Tariq was recently rewarded the ‘University of Worcester Vice Chancellor’s Medal’, in recognition of his inspiring determination and courage.
The 23-year-old was left blind and in a coma following a car crash in April 2015, during the second year of his studies, which also saw him suffer multiple broken bones and collapsed lungs – with doctors initially saying he had only 24 hours to live.
But Mo made an amazing recovery, beating doctors’ later prediction he would be hospitalised for six months, by being discharged after nine weeks and returning for the final year of his degree that September.
Incredibly, he also managed to adapt to his loss of sight, catch up with his studies and graduate with a degree in physical education and sports studies, on time with all of his friends, in November 2016.
Mo has since returned to the University and is now studying for a Master’s in education, in the hope of pursuing a career as a disability support officer.
The Vice Chancellor’s Medal is only awarded in very exceptional circumstances when a student has shown incredible courage in the face of adversity.
Mo said: “It was an amazing feeling to receive the medal. I was not expecting it at all.
“It was thanks to all the support I received from my family, friends and the University, that I managed to get through the rest of my degree and look to the future.
“This is a true honour.”
Prof Sarah Greer, deputy vice chancellor of the University of Worcester, said: “We’re all incredibly proud of Mo and his amazing resilience.
“His determination to complete his degree and use his experience to help others is truly inspiring and humbling for us all.
“He is such a worthy recipient of this award.”
