Thomas (Tommy)

Thomas aged 73 of Hanwell who learnt with UCanDoIT. “After leaving school I did an engineering course and then got a job. I later did National Service for 3 years, and after leaving the Army, I was a labourer. At the age of 26 I was diagnosed with diabetes. Since then I’ve been a regular visitor to hospitals and health institutions. Although I am fairly mobile, (I have a scooter) I still can’t go and visit a conventional course in a college. Basically I am stuck most of the time at home. Social services were very helpful, they helped me with the Day Centre I attend 3 days a week- that’s where I heard about UCANDOIT, through my social worker. When I heard about this training course I jumped at the opportunity and applied. I had never touched a computer. I was not sure of my ability to learn this new technology, but it was worth it. This was a completely new field, unknown and scary but I wanted to acquire this new knowledge. I have to say I have exceeded my own expectations. I’ve never been to America, but now I am regular visitor to Hollywood museum websites. Music is my passion, and now I am able to listen to all my favourite oldies – rock, jazz. I regularly use Skype to talk to other people and am looking into websites for bargains and other stuff. It’s a change of life, kind of experience”.