A student who returned to university, just months after a horrific car accident left him with life-changing injuries, to successfully complete his degree, has been recognised with a rare award.
Mo Tariq has been awarded the University of Worcester Vice Chancellor's Medal in recognition of his inspiring determination and courage.
Mo, from Perry Barr, Birmingham, was left blind following the crash in April 2015, during the second year of his studies at the University. He also suffered multiple broken bones, collapsed lungs and was in a coma with doctors initially saying he had only 24 hours to live.
But he 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 managed to adapt to his loss of sight, catch up with his studies, and graduated 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 (Special Inclusive Education pathway).
The Vice Chancellor's Medal is only awarded in exceptional circumstances when a student has shown incredible courage in the face of adversity.
"It is an amazing feeling to receive this medal," said 23-yar-old Mo. "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."
Conferring the medal on Mo, Professor Sarah Greer, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Worcester, said: "We are 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."
Mo said he was hoping to pursue a career as a disability support officer in the future.