Hilary Lister Inspires Supported Learning Students

Hilary Lister, the first disabled woman to sail solo around Britain, has visited Canterbury College to speak to students, staff and visitors at the College’s first Supported Learning Open Day.

90 students from the College attended the event along with visiting pupils from Archbishop’s School, Canterbury High School, Aspen 2, St Nicholas School and Spires Academy.

Hilary spoke to students about how, despite suffering from a degenerative disease that has left her quadriplegic, she discovered a love for sailing. The 37 year-old, who lives near Canterbury, entered the record books in 2005 when she used a modified boat to sail solo across the English Channel.

Student Chelsea Stacey said: “Having the chance to hear from Hilary about what she’s achieved was amazing. It’s great that she took the time to come into the College and I’m sure everyone has taken something from her talk.”

The Supported Learning Open Day was also an opportunity to showcase the work of the Department which offers courses at Entry Level 1, 2 and 3, and following the talk there were tours of the Department which featured displays of students work.

Jane Owens, Foundation Learning Skills Manager, said: "Hilary Lister was an inspiration to everyone who had the opportunity to listen to what she had to say. What I learnt was that I have a choice, to make a difference to my life and that of others or I can sit back and do nothing." Jane added: “We are very grateful to Hilary for joining us at our first Supported Learning Open Day; it meant such a lot to the students and made the day a great success.”

During her visit to Canterbury College, Hilary was also able to meet a group of staff who are taking part in the London to Paris bike ride. They will be donating some of the money they raise to her charity, “Hilary’s Dream Trust”, which gives people suffering from disabilities or significant disadvantages the chance to experience sailing.