Former Professional Cricketer Andrew Patterson Inspires Students with Talk on Resilience
27th March 25
We were honoured to welcome Andrew Patterson, former Sussex and Ireland international cricketer, for an inspiring talk on the importance of resilience. Drawing on his experiences in professional sport and his personal journey following a diagnosis of spastic paraplegia, Andrew shared invaluable insights on overcoming challenges and developing mental strength.
During his talk, Andrew reflected on his highs and lows, speaking candidly about the impact of his diagnosis, offering students a powerful message about adapting to change, pushing through adversity, and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of life’s challenges. Students were engaged and inspired by Andrew’s story, gaining a deeper understanding of the resilience needed to succeed—not just in sport, but in all areas of life. His visit was a reminder that setbacks can be transformed into opportunities for growth, and that true strength lies in the ability to keep moving forward.
“Taking the easy option now will only make it harder for you in the future”, a message that should really resonate with students ahead of exam season and emphasise the need to put in the hard work now. Reflecting on his visit to DLD, Andrew said “From the moment I arrived at DLD College London, I knew it was a special place. There’s something about the atmosphere, the energy, and most importantly the incredible students that made this visit truly memorable. It was an absolute privilege to speak with them, share my journey, and explore the power of resilience. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and engagement were inspiring”.
Thank you to Andrew for sharing his experiences and leaving a lasting impact on the school community.
Fumi St-Marthe, Assistant Principal (Pastoral)
