Andy McGowan has been described as an ‘inspirational and positive spirit’ by the people he has cared for over the last 15 years.
At the age of just six he became the sole carer for both of his parents – yet despite the impact on his childhood, time and schooling Andy will graduate from Cambridge University 
next month with a law degree.
He has now dedicated the next year of his life to encouraging other young people – especially those from Shropshire – to aim high and follow their dreams. Last month Andy was presented with an award from the National Association for Gifted Children by Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Gloucester. It was the latest in a long line of awards Andy has received for his academic skills and voluntary work.
Andy said he was delighted but now wants to focus on his new job as access officer for Cambridge University. It sees him heading up the scheme that helped him gain a place at the prestigious university.
“There are still many young people who have many misconceptions about universities, especially some of the top-achieving universities, and it is vital to try and dispel these myths,” he said.
“When I left school, I couldn’t have imagined that five years later I’d be graduating with a law degree from Cambridge University, I’d never have thought it possible. That is why I think it’s so important to go out and speak to young people in schools and colleges,” he said.
Andy is proof himself that even with a difficult childhood it is possible to achieve the top.
He grew up living above a hostel in Telford run by his dad Martin. His mum Sue worked there as a counsellor and said Andy would often bring people back to their home from underprivileged backgrounds.
“We’ve always been involved with helping others and that’s where our friends say Andy got it from,” she said.
Sue and Martin have a host of medical conditions between them which forced them to leave work and for Andy to take on responsibilities around the home from the age of six.
It meant his education often suffered and it took some time for Andy to be linked up with The Red Cross’ young carers programme where he received the support he needed. He became involved with other young carers groups and youth boards and from 2005 to 2006 was one of 25 youths who represented the views of young people to government.
Modest
Martin said: “Everything was against Andy, he has had numerous problems to deal with. He has been an inspiration to us all.”
Sue said her son had played a critical role in keeping her spirits up during her long illness.
“He just really kept our spirits up and he’s just so modest,” she said.
Andy said when he started college he didn’t plan to go to university because it didn’t seem like the expected route for him. But after being predicted three As at A-level he decided to go for it and applied through the university’s special access scheme.
“During my three years at Cambridge, I have spent a lot of time trying to dispel myths and raising aspirations,” he said.
“If people have the potential and the desire, then where you come from or how much money your parents earn is irrelevant.”
Sue said she has been trying to organise tickets for Andy to visit a Liverpool Football Club game but has so far not had any luck.
“He has sacrificed so much of his time with the hours he’s put in. It’s his dream to go and see a game, I’ve tried lots of different ways, maybe someone out there could help,” she added.
By Anna Williams
