After working in the care home for four years, Peter moved to the Tees and North-East Yorkshire NHS Trust as a Nursing Assistant, in a unit for people with learning disabilities. The Trust then sponsored Peter to complete a Nursing Diploma at the University.
Peter said: 鈥淚 had the practical experience and the diploma gave me the underlying theory I needed to work as a Staff Nurse, such as current research and government documentation. I had no problems returning to study after a gap, the tutors were brilliant, supportive and created the right learning atmosphere. I really enjoyed the different placements, particularly one with the children鈥檚 community team in Stockton.鈥�
Peter鈥檚 younger brother Stephen, 23, is also a Learning Disabilities Nurse, based in Liverpool. Peter added: 鈥淢y parents Peter and Jean are both proud of our work, they鈥檝e supported us all the way. We鈥檙e both doing something we actually set out to do. Getting the best practice award was really nice, I didn鈥檛 see that coming!鈥�