Tom told us: “I’m keen on keeping fit and I do like my sport, but boxing certainly was a little outside of my comfort zone. However, I enjoy pushing my boundaries, and to be honest, my time at Moor House School taught me that.

"I was at Moor House from 1993 to 2001. Even though the school years/childhood was a struggle at times, due to the speech and language challenges I had, I wouldn't change anything. It's made me into the person I am today, and it's given me energy and hunger I could only have wished for if things were different. I'm in debt to Moor House and appreciate everything the school did for me. As I'm 40 this year, I wanted to do something to show my no-fear approach to things, dedication to challenges I set for myself and appreciation to Moor House - I'm very touched the money is helping Moor House to continue to help improve the lives of others.

"Since I left school, I've been extremely lucky and fortunate to build a life I thought was out of reach for me as a child. I have a supportive family, married to my wife for over 10 years and we have a 7-year-old son. I'm blessed to have a great group of friends and have been employed from day 1 since leaving school. 11 years in leisure and 12 years in the IT industry - now working for IBM. The ironic thing is, my working day is all about communicating! Emails, phone, presenting etc - looking back at the shy boy I was, with struggles communicating and understanding, to an adult fearing no challenge in front of me - it’s all thanks to Moor House. Thank you!”

Thank-you Tom for taking on the challenge and for sharing your inspiring story with us.