Latest news with #overcomingadversity
The Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Graduate overcomes life-changing injuries to fulfil dream of becoming a doctor
A mature student has graduated from university as a doctor a decade after a motorbike accident as a teenager left him with catastrophic injuries. Paul Edwards was 17 and studying for his A-levels when he was knocked off his motorbike, suffering multiple fractures. He had to put his studies on hold and delayed his university ambitions for a decade while he recovered. Fast-forward 16 years and, despite living with debilitating pain, Mr Edwards, now aged 32, has graduated in front of his proud parents Charlie and Denise, girlfriend Aesha, close friends and tutors. It was not just his injuries he needed to overcome, as Mr Edwards grew up in Lawrence Weston where only around 15% of students at his secondary achieved five GCSEs. Encouraged by his parents and supportive teachers, he set his sights on studying medicine at the University of Bristol. Prior to his accident he was accepted on to the now obsolete Government-run gifted and talented programme, which sought to help talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds. But in October 2009 a car overran a junction and Mr Edwards collided with the car at 30mph. He suffered catastrophic injuries, including two fractured thighs, multiple fractures to his neck and back, a lacerated liver and head trauma. Mr Edwards spent years in recovery, undergoing multiple surgeries and battling constant pain. In 2014, he had what he calls his 'sink or swim' moment, and with the help of his GP weaned himself off opioid medication. 'I remember my GP saying: 'You can either stay on these drugs and be stuck here, or come off them and find out what life might still offer you',' he said. He enrolled in an access to higher education course and completed the equivalent of three A-levels in nine months. In 2017, Mr Edwards was offered a place to study neuroscience at Bristol, but switched to medicine during the Covid-19 pandemic. 'My sister is a paramedic, and my GP and consultants were so amazingly supportive during my recovery from my accident. I realised I wanted to help. I wanted to give back,' he said. He studied while managing with 'endless and debilitating' pain as a consequence of his injuries. 'I use over-the counter painkillers to treat the pain and I do lots of activity including endurance running and triathlons,' he said. 'I know I'll be in pain anyway, but I would rather be active and in pain, than sedentary and still in pain.' He has recently completed his elective period of study in anaesthetics and will soon begin his foundation doctor training at an NHS hospital on the Isle of Wight. 'I owe the university a lot regarding my success,' Mr Edwards said. 'I have been incredibly well supported, and I really appreciate everything the staff have done for me. 'They really help you achieve the absolute best you can be. I count myself lucky to have met so many wonderful people along the way, who are now absolute friends for life. 'Who knows, maybe the accident was part of a bigger plan – directing me to a path of becoming a doctor> 'I want to let people know that anything is possible if you are determined enough. It's never too late, and Bristol is a great place to be.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Maynard shares ‘inspiring' update
CATLETTSBURG As he does regularly at city and county government meetings, Hillcrest-Bruce Mission's director provided what the judge-executive labeled 'inspiring' update during Tuesday's Boyd County Fiscal Court meeting. Mike Maynard shared a few stories about people overcoming adversity and experiencing success through the Mission's programs. Maynard told the county commission about a man Hillcrest-Bruce has assisted for three years who enjoyed buying his first car. He's a Boyd County Schools employee now. Maynard also spoke about a woman who had landed in jail, got evicted and lost custody of her children all in one weekend. She initially turned away from Hillcrest-Bruce's help only to return two months later. 'She graduated drug court last week,' Maynard said. 'She has a house, she has a job, she has visitation, and we were able to gift her a vehicle to help her get a better-paying job. … That was about a two-and-a-half-year, three-year process.' As of last month, 264 people have been in Hillcrest-Bruce Mission's programs over the last seven years, according to Maynard — 185 of them have landed jobs and are no longer on government assistance. 'That's what it's all about — helping people become self-sufficient because there's dignity in being able to take care of yourself,' he said. '… We are blessed to have partnerships we have in order to do what we do. 'We're looking to expand our services,' he added. 'So I appreciate your all's support.' 'It's always inspiring when you come in here and share these stories,' Judge-Executive Eric Chaney said. 'Keep doing what you're doing. You're appreciated.' Hillcrest-Bruce Mission is at 1819 Eloise Street in Ashland. Visit or call (606) 324-5723 for more information. Other notable items from Tuesday's meeting: • Kacy Abrams, the county's community development director, previewed a couple of upcoming events — Sno-Cones and Suncatchers at Armco Park Shelter 5 on Friday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and the Boyd County Repair Affair on Saturday, Sept. 27. Project applications will be accepted for Repair Affair through July 31. Applicants must own their home and reside in an unincorporated Boyd County area. Applicants must be at least 60 years old or certified as disabled. Applications are available at the Boyd County Courthouse or accessible online at • David Bland, of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, supplied information to the fiscal court about the organization that does 'everything we can to get our contractors work,' he said. IUPAT contractors have contributed heavily to major projects in the area such as Sandy's Gaming and the UK King's Daughters emergency department. Bland, who is from Parkersburg, West Virginia, said the union focuses on construction and finishing trades — painting, drywall finishing, sign/display work and floor covering are among them. He said the union is making a push to bring in more women to the crafts. 'Women make great painters and drywall finishers because of their attention to detail,' Bland said. Visit for more information. • The Boyd County Conservation District, which received $60,000 from a recent Kentucky Department of Agriculture settlement, is running a cost-share program in the county until July 25. The program is in place to help agricultural operations protect the soil and water resources and to implement agriculture water quality plans. Email bcconservation@ or call (606) 928-8027 for more information. • Commissioner Jeremy Holbrook reminded citizens to be aware of the Rock the Country festival this weekend, which is expected to bring in a large turnout to the fairgrounds and the area, in general, over the next few days. 'We are going to have busier roads, we're going to have packed gas stations and, more than likely, longer waits for our favorite restaurants,' Holbrook said. 'We know this, but to remind everybody, of the trickle-down effect of the economy of festivals like this. ... Like last year, I pray that the number of incidents that occur at this are the lowest on the tour. We had a great festival last year. … Some people are going to be coming to Boyd County for the first time, so that's an honor for us.' • The next Boyd County Fiscal Court meeting is slated for Tuesday, Aug. 12, at noon. (606) 326-2664 | asnyder@
BBC News
27-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'I cried' - One-armed golfer on what world title means
"They call me the one-armed Jon Rahm".It is with a broad smile and laugh that Mark Marshall embraces the nickname which follows the Nottinghamshire golfer around courses, where he proudly says he leaves people "gobsmacked".He is a right-handed golfer without a right-hand, after it and much of his forearm was severed in a wood processing machine at work more than a decade is also now the one-armed golf world champion - a title that gives that comparison to Spain's former world number one Rahm even more authority than simply a play on words."It means a hell of a lot, I cried and there were a lot of different emotions," said Marshall, remembering the moment he clinched the title at Cleveland Golf Club in England's North East. The emotions felt were not just about the sporting achievement, or even what he had to overcome following his injury to get was only 12 months earlier that Emily Rose, his partner of 13 years and mother of his three-year-old daughter Elle, Albans is Marshall's caddy, but is quick to add that he is most "proud to call him best mate".He said: "I've known Mark for six years, I didn't know him when he had two arms, but for what he has overcome, I don't know how he has done it."The stuff he has gone through in his life, his partner passing away was very hard for Mark and now he is bringing up his daughter."I take my hat off to him or what he has done. He should be so proud."Marshall says having "family, friends and good people around" has helped him cope in the difficult times."I have a positive mindset and I don't think anything can stop me, really," he told BBC East Midlands Today. Golf, for Marshall, has been a constant in his grew up in Retford, in the north east of the county, and first took up the game he still had both hands, he was on the club's 'scratch' team - representing the best who played at with one hand, he is now going to play for Europe in the Fightmaster Cup, the one-armed equivalent of the Ryder Cup, later this his game to such a level, and being able to smash tee shots 270 yards with his weaker, but fully functional, left arm has taken years of work and even pain."It's lots of practice, dedication and frustration," he said."I had a few years building my strength up. I was hurting my shoulder quite a bit trying to hit the ball harder. But I'd say after about three years I've had no injuries because I just got really strong from all the practice."And it has been worth it in the end, because it's just nice to hit a good ball."On his local fairways, Marshall is very much the golfer to watch - and not just because he is playing with a when he is a focus of attention among his fellow golfers for being a one-armed player, he relishes it because he knows he can change perceptions."If I play elsewhere people are all gobsmacked," he said."They all watch me and that makes me strive more to hit a good shot off the first tee because they are all crowded around."I just smash the ball and everyone is just like 'what?'. It's good fun, to be fair."
Associated Press
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Author Laurence Neal Pokras Announces Release of "My Socially Hazardous Life"
Laurence Neal Pokras, author of 'My Socially Hazardous Life,' unveils a gripping narrative of overcoming adversity, triumphing as a self-made millionaire, and challenging societal norms. United States, June 23, 2025 -- A Journey Like No Other 'My Socially Hazardous Life' is a book unlike anything you've ever read. It's a raw, candid journey penned by Laurence Neal Pokras, a self-made millionaire who transformed his life through perseverance, grit, and an unwavering belief in his potential. The book takes readers on a whirlwind adventure around the globe, offering an intimate look at his personal life, struggles, triumphs, and the people who shaped his journey. His story, built on moments of intense rejection, personal failure, and ultimate success, will leave readers questioning everything they've been taught about achievement and personal growth. Pokras's life was anything but traditional. Rejected by his family and friends, he slept on floors, couches, and lived through countless hardships while building a business empire. From humble beginnings to a self-made millionaire, his journey challenges the conventional narrative about success and highlights the grit required to overcome obstacles. As the book delves into the struggles of his past, it becomes a testament to the power of resilience and tenacity. This isn't a self-help book filled with theoretical ideas about success; it's an honest narrative that brings readers along for an emotional and physical journey, one that spans multiple continents and thousands of lessons learned the hard way. The honesty of Pokras's storytelling creates a narrative that feels more like a conversation than a polished autobiography. A Story of Transformation One of the most compelling elements of 'My Socially Hazardous Life' is its focus on transformation. In the book, Pokras recounts his rise from a rejected son and isolated individual to a successful self-made millionaire. His story is not one of smooth progress but rather a series of setbacks, mistakes, and learning experiences that ultimately led to his success. The narrative speaks to anyone who has ever faced rejection or questioned their path in life. Pokras's early days were filled with hardships that forced him to become resourceful and creative. He wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth like some of today's most famous billionaires. Instead, he earned every step of his journey. As he candidly states, 'I was a man whore, I was an animal, and I was an asshole. But I became a millionaire on my own.' It's this unvarnished truth that makes his story so relatable. The book doesn't try to paint a perfect picture of success; rather, it emphasizes the process of growth, mistakes, and redemption. It invites readers to question the idea of success as a straight line and instead see it as a winding, challenging road that leads to an even more satisfying destination. 'My Socially Hazardous Life' is more than just a tale of triumph; it's about the unspoken reality of failure and what happens when a person chooses to keep pushing forward. Pokras offers readers a view into the reality of building something from the ground up without the support of traditional systems or networks. It's about rising above societal limitations, personal flaws, and the difficulties life throws at you. The Power of Creativity and Self-Reflection One of the key messages in the book is that success doesn't come from following a traditional path, it comes from embracing your creativity and your own unique perspective. Pokras doesn't claim to be a writer in the conventional sense. He is an artist, and 'My Socially Hazardous Life' is an artistic expression of his life's experiences. He sees art not just in painting or sculpture, but in life itself. Each moment, each experience, is a piece of art to him. He states, 'Art is the crystallized illusion penetrating the soul through sublime perception.' This profound statement reflects the way he views his own journey. His creative approach to life and business has set him apart from others. In many ways, 'My Socially Hazardous Life' is a work of art itself. The book invites readers to step outside of their daily routines and consider life as a canvas, filled with endless possibilities for reinvention and discovery. Pokras encourages readers to see their mistakes as strokes of genius rather than failures. The book also explores the concept of self-reflection, understanding that one's past doesn't define their future. Pokras speaks to this truth through his own life story. Despite facing rejection and adversity, he didn't let those experiences define him negatively. Instead, he used them as stepping stones toward greater success. Challenging Societal Norms 'My Socially Hazardous Life' isn't just about personal growth, it's about challenging the norms and expectations that society places on individuals. Pokras's story challenges traditional ideas about success, family, and personal relationships. His experiences show that success isn't necessarily about following a prescribed set of steps but about finding your own way, making mistakes along the way, and learning from them. Through his book, Pokras invites readers to reject the pressure of societal standards and instead forge their own path. He encourages individuals to think for themselves, trust their own instincts, and break free from the expectations set by others. The book addresses the frustrations of living in a world that often values conformity over individuality, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to truly live authentically. 'My Socially Hazardous Life' is a call to arms for anyone feeling stifled by society's narrow views of success and happiness. The story serves as a reminder that being different isn't a weakness but a strength. In the author's own words, 'It will piss off friends, it will make you feel better, and you will learn possibilities through my screw-ups in life and travel.' Overwhelming Praise from Readers Since its release four months ago, 'My Socially Hazardous Life' has garnered immense praise from readers. With over 23 five-star reviews on Amazon, the book has captured the attention of readers who are inspired by Pokras's unique journey and honest storytelling. His willingness to share both his failures and triumphs has struck a chord with readers from all walks of life. The book's candid nature has resonated with those looking for a raw, real account of what it takes to succeed in the modern world. Many readers have praised the book for its inspirational messages and its unapologetic honesty. For anyone struggling with self-doubt or trying to break free from societal pressures, Pokras's story offers the kind of insight and motivation that can change lives. About Laurence Neal Pokras Laurence Neal Pokras is a self-made millionaire, author, and creative force. He rose to success through hard work, creativity, and a willingness to embrace failure as part of the growth process. Known for his unfiltered approach to storytelling, Pokras is an architect by trade and has built his fortune through innovative business practices. He describes himself as a walking contradiction both flawed and triumphant, and he uses his unique perspective to challenge traditional norms and encourage others to think differently. His book, 'My Socially Hazardous Life,' serves as a testament to his personal journey and is a must-read for anyone looking to redefine success and embrace their own path in life. Media Contact: Laurence Neal Pokras Author, My Socially Hazardous Life Email: [email protected] Contact Info: Name: Laurence Neal Pokras Email: Send Email Organization: My Socially Hazardous Life Website: Release ID: 89162914 If there are any errors, inconsistencies, or queries arising from the content contained within this press release that require attention or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we kindly request that you inform us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our reliable team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours, taking proactive measures to rectify any identified issues or providing guidance on the removal process. Ensuring accurate and dependable information is our top priority.
Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside Fox News host Kat Timpf's rollercoaster journey... from abusive relationship to cancer diagnosis
Between her stint on the wildly popular Fox News political satire talk show Gutfeld!, her successful comedy tour, and her best-selling books, Kat Timpf is certainly a force to be reckoned with. But the TV star, 36, has not had an easy journey, in fact, she's endured a series of heartbreaking setbacks over the years including an abusive relationship, a battle with depression, and most recently, a shocking cancer diagnosis. She revealed back in February that she found out that she was battling the disease just before she gave birth to her son: a heartbreaking revelation on what should have been the happiest day of her life. In addition to the numerous devastating blows to her personal life, Kat has also been subjected to a slew of cruel criticism over her decision to work for Fox News over the years. She has revealed that she's faced 'harassment' from strangers in public and terrifying 'death threats' over her involvement with the conservative network - despite the fact that she is not a Republican - and she was once the victim of a horrific attack that saw a man drench her with water at an event. But it hasn't stopped Kat, and her story is certainly an impressive one of resilience, determination, and bravery. In what may be the first happy update after years of devastation, Kat revealed this week that she was now cancer free. As she shares the exciting news, FEMAIL has recapped her rollercoaster ride journey from start to finish... from how she overcame a slew of tragedies and years of online abuse to become a massive star to her road to motherhood and devastating health battle. Kat's rollercoaster rise to fame: How she overcame an abusive relationship and a battle with depression to become a massive TV star Kat has had to overcome a slew of setbacks - including an abusive relationship and a battle with depression - to become a massive TV star. She grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and graduated magna cum laude in 2010 from Hillsdale College with a degree in English. In the early years of her career, she worked on a series of TV and radio shows including America Live with Megyn Kelly, Fox and Friends, The Big Weekend Show, and The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore. In 2015, she was transformed into a massive sensation when she became a regular panelist on Gutfeld!, and she has continued to star on the show since then. Over the years, she also served as an anchor on Fox News Specialists in 2017, co-hosted the weekly Fox News Radio podcast Tyrus and Timpf from 2018 until 2023, hosted the Fox Nation show Sincerely, Kat in 2019, and appeared on the weekend comedy show Fox News Saturday Night throughout 2023. But Kat has revealed that she had endured a horrific 'abusive relationship' early on in her career that left her battling depression. 'I had a relationship that was abusive... it got really ugly and it really warped my brain to the point where I thought everything was my fault,' she shared during an appearance on the Stage Steele Show last year. 'It took years of therapy to get that out of my head. I was in my mid-20s and then I was single for a while and I also dated a lot of losers, guys without jobs or ambitions.' Kat went on to meet her now-husband Cameron Friscia in 2020 after they connected on the dating app Raya. She and the investment banker wed in May 2021 and welcomed a baby boy in February 2025. Her political views: Kat is a libertarian and independent voter, but has been subjected to a slew of 'harassment' over her decision to work for a conservative network Despite working for well-known conservative network Fox News, Kat is not a Republican - she's actually a libertarian and independent voter. 'It's really interesting because, you know, I'm not a Republican,' she told USA Today in 2023. 'I've never voted for a Republican. I've also never voted for a Democrat. I always vote Libertarian. 'I write my cat's name in whenever there's not a Libertarian because I'm just not either one of those things.' Ahead of the 2024 election, Kat clapped back at accusations that she's a 'fence sitter' for not backing Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. 'People will say that you're a "fence sitter" because you don't firmly sit on one side or the other because you have different independent views,' she told LA Times. 'I'm not sitting on a fence, I'm actually very firm in my own views. It actually would be a lot easier for me to go all in on one side or the other because then I'd have this whole team of people backing me up, no matter what I said or did. It's easier to have a team of allies.' Over the years, however, Kat has been outspoken about the fact that she's faced unfair judgement because of her job at Fox News. In 2018, she claimed that she was forced to leave a bar in Brooklyn after a stranger became outraged after finding out that she worked at the conservative network. 'This girl started going nuts on me, screaming at me to get out of the bar. I found her very threatening,' she said to National Review at the time. 'It was super uncomfortable and I didn't want things to get physical.' She added that it wasn't the first time something like that had happened, revealing someone once dumped water on her head at an event and that she was 'harassed' at a restaurant months prior. 'This is the third time this has happened to me, so I'm just over it,' she continued. 'There have been times where I'm hesitant to go out with my glasses because it makes me more recognizable. But I have to live my life, I can't let this ruin it.' Kat told in 2017 of the water incident, 'It was clearly a targeted assault. I was dripping wet. 'He was about a foot taller than me, but he whipped it directly into my face. My eyes were burning... and I was freaking out that it wasn't just water. But I think it was just all the eye makeup I had on or something.' At the time, she also revealed that she gets 'death threats all the time' over her refusal to support Trump. 'If I say I had a problem with [Trump] people would be like, "All right, I'm coming to Fox and I'm going to rip your entrails out,"' she shared. 'It's like, whoa. I'm an emotional person and I still somehow never had quite the kind of emotional connection to anyone or anything the way that some of these people are emotionally connected to this president that they've never met. I really can't even understand it. '[I've been told] I'm a libt**d, and I'm an idiot. [I've received] very detailed descriptions of sexual violence that people want to commit against me. I'm a disgrace to humanity, I'm a disgrace to my family. 'I've kinda been desensitized to it… I've been getting death threats for so long. I'm not really afraid. 'It seems like a lot of these people don't really leave their mother's basement a lot. I don't think they're really going to come get me. 'It doesn't really scare me, but it scares me for the future of humanity more so.' She later joked to USA Today that she would rather tell people she 'works in porn' than at Fox News because it feels 'less controversial.' 'It's happened even when I try to book theaters for my [comedy] tour. Like, "We don't welcome a Fox person at this theater,"' she added to Variety of the scrutiny over her job. 'It really doesn't make sense to me. If you think I'm disgusting for who I am, then that's one thing. 'But if it's just because of where I work and whatever your preconceived notions are about where I work, which - what does that even mean? Fox is not an idea. It's a platform on which to share ideas.' Clapping back: Kat faced horrific comments after she announced that she was pregnant - but she's not afraid to respond to her haters Kat has had to deal with more than just backlash over her job. She also received a slew of 'mean' comments after she announced that she was pregnant last year. She reflected on the hate with the LA Times, explaining, 'For years I was getting these hate comments like, "You don't understand anything about the world because you don't have any kids. Your eggs are scrambled and drying up, and you'll regret this soon. You're so selfish." 'Then I got pregnant, and you would have thought that this is what these people wanted, right? 'I mean, I didn't do it for them, but now people are saying, "Can you just shut up about being pregnant already?" 'Some of them are the same people! Some people are just gonna be haters no matter what.' But she is not afraid to clap back at her haters, as she added, 'You have to be able to stand up for yourself when people are coming for you with bad intentions. 'If we could just all see each other as humans rather than this team or that team, we could find a lot more to agree on than we think.' Earlier this year, Kat faced more scrutiny after she posted a photo of herself partying at Coachella two months after giving birth. Trolls were quick to slam her for going to the music festival so soon after becoming a mom. 'One fun thing I've noticed about being a mom is if you ever post with your baby, or God forbid, having fun without your baby, people are like, "Oh my God, where's her baby? She's a mother. Should a mother be acting like this? Grow up"' she wrote in a social media post afterwards. 'As soon as you [have a baby], you are not allowed to act like a person without getting bullied for it. 'I've only been a mom for a couple of months, but I'm starting to think that the only way to be a parent and avoid backlash is to be a dad.' Kat's terrifying health battle: The TV star found out she had breast cancer while she was pregnant, and has since undergone a double mastectomy Kat previously revealed that she was diagnosed with ADHD at age five. 'I've long been at the point where I'm grateful to have ADHD. It's a major reason for things that I consider to be my greatest strengths, like my creativity, and I wouldn't have it any other way,' she wrote on X back in 2020. 'I was lucky to have been diagnosed by age five (if I hadn't been, I'd probably have spent years thinking I was just dumb).' She also revealed during an appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast in 2024 that she had been taking amphetamines for her ADHD since she was a child, but had recently stopped because of her pregnancy. 'Doing the most simple task feels like I'm doing it through mud, it's really hard for me,' she admitted of stopping her medication. Kat shared the shocking news in February after giving birth that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, she revealed that she found out she was battling the disease just 15 hours before she had welcomed her son. 'Now, before you worry, my doctor says it's stage zero and is confident that it almost certainly hasn't spread,' she wrote in an Instagram post at the time. 'Or, as I've explained to the few people I've managed to tell about it so far: Don't freak out. It's just, like, a LITTLE bit of cancer. 'These next three months of maternity leave are going to look a lot different than I'd anticipated, and I'm still getting used to my new reality. 'Still, as I navigate new motherhood (and new cancer) I'm learning to celebrate everything I can. 'I'm lucky that we found the cancer so early. I'm lucky to be my son's mom. I mean, I know I'm biased, but the little dude absolutely rules - and not just because he might have saved my life. 'Thank you all for your support, laughter, and love as I embrace this wildly unexpected chapter. 'Here's to resilience, to miracles in the midst of chaos, and to finding humor and hope even on the toughest days.' Kat revealed in March that she had undergone a double mastectomy, and this week, she shared the exciting news on Gutfeld! that she was now 'cancer free.' 'I am boob-free. I am cancer-free as well,' she told the panel.
