Inspirational Scott overcomes challenges to discover his passion for helping others

A former dairy farmer whose life was 'turned upside down' after losing his sight when he was 30 years old has graduated from Keele University with a Masters degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy – and is now using his knowledge and experience to help other people.
Scott Bailey had no idea what to do for a job when he was unable to continue working in the farming industry, but he developed a passion to give something back after receiving help and support to overcome his own challenges.
Scott, aged 36, from Crewe, is now working as a counsellor and therapist, alongside training to compete in judo at the Los Angeles Paralympic Games in 2028.
"I was a farmer, and I'd never had to look for another job, so I didn't know what to do when I lost my sight. I had to learn to do everything again and it left me in a dark place where I felt isolated, receiving no immediate support," said Scott.
"Being honest, I'd always preferred working with animals over people but as soon as I started to get help, I had this feeling that I was becoming myself again and without the help of others, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
"I felt like I wanted to pass on the help and support I'd been given to other people who might be struggling or experiencing something similar to what I had been through, and I needed to get back into work, so counselling seemed like a good way forward for me. But when I started doing my placements as part of the degree at Keele, that is when it hit me that I was doing something I loved, and the feeling I was getting from helping other people was just incredible."
At the age of 27, Scott started to lose his sight after being diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy and was registered blind just three years later. He was partnered with Golden Retriever guide dog Milo in November 2020 through Guide Dogs UK, and Scott and Milo have become a much-loved presence on Keele's 600-acre campus.
Alongside graduating from Keele, Scott is on the path to becoming a Los Angeles 2028 judo Paralympian, regularly training and competing with the British Judo Association. Having been introduced to judo after losing his sight, Scott has already achieved a black belt and competed in several international competitions where he has won medals competing against fighters with full vision.
While studying at Keele, the father-of-two was selected to join the University's Talented Athlete Programme. Encouraging students to sustain their level of sport while studying, the programme offers a range of support to promising athletes, including free gym membership, access to sports facilities and coaches, and help to secure funding.
Scott said: "Studying at Keele has given me the confidence and strength to go out in the world and be safe in myself. I absolutely loved the course and fell in love with the campus straight away. I wasn't sure how accessible the university would be when I arrived, but the lecturers have been so accommodating, and Keele has become like a family to me.
"Being put on the Talented Athlete Programme was a big step for me. The sports team at Keele had never trained someone with sight loss before but from the moment I walked in, they were fantastic with me, and nothing was ever too much trouble.
"Competing at the Paralympic Games in 2028 would be a dream come true and I'm working as hard as I can to make it a reality. While training and competing, I'm also able to carry out online counselling and therapy sessions with people who need help and support, so it's brilliant that I can continue pursuing my two passions."
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