Scot with cerebral palsy given little hope of 'normal' life defies odds to pursue dream degree

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Scots man with quadriplegic cerebral palsy who was given little hope of living a 'normal' life has defied all odds to pursue his dream degree in London.

Alexander Van Der Byl endured a traumatic birth which saw him having to be resuscitated at just minutes old, leaving him with the condition as well as a host of other health issues.

The aspiring student - who lives in Leith, Edinburgh - underwent a series of intensive and life-changing therapies since he was a tot but still contends with muscle fatigue, pain and the inability to walk at certain times in his adult life.Despite this, the now 24-year-old has graduated with a first class degree in photography from Edinburgh College of Art - and has his sights set on a move to London to continue his studies in the creative field.Alex told the Record: "Doctors thought I would spend my life in a wheelchair.

I can do most things but I have to watch my energy levels. I can't walk sometimes and rely on taxis to get about."I didn't really attend nursery or primary school because I was always in and out of hospital for check-ups.