Testimonials

“We hired the viewing theatre next to our offices one lunchtime and invited staff to come and listen to Andy speak. Lots of people came although no one knew what to expect and most were a bit apprehensive but Andy quickly got them all relaxed and enjoying themselves. The hour went by in a flash as his banter and infectious good humour blew away all the misconceptions and prejudices anyone may have had about disabled people. He defines the word ‘inspirational’ and made a big impression on everyone that came.”
Nick Hart, Head of CSR, Turner Broadcasting System Europe (CNN, Cartoon Network, TCM etc).

Andy has done two presentations for us at Hathershaw, one to our Primary Cluster pupils and one to all our prize winners at our Annual Presentation Evening at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Andy was a dream to work with; he adapted his presentation to his audience. His delivery was sharp, witty and down to earth. The children and staff made instant connections. We feel like we have known Andy for ages. Not only did Andy tick all the boxes on both nights but he has shown a real interest in the pupils who received prizes and offered to do follow-up work/mentoring with targeted groups.
Lorna Philip (Assistant Principal) Hathershaw College

“Andy was excellent, my parents were amazed by his story, we’ve talked about his message at home and how we shouldn’t let problems get in our way”.
Henna Asghar (Year 7 girl)

My Grandma said “Kirsty don’t take anything for granted, make the most of every moment. Andy taught me to make every negative into a positive”.
Kirsty Barnett ((Year 10 Girl)

“Andy came into Oldham College originally to award prizes to a group of learners. The response of the learners was amazing to Andy’s message of motivation. Following on from this we invited him to speak to not one but two theatres full of students of all ages. The response from staff & students alike was phenomenal, Andy is truly an inspiration!”
Joan Griffiths, Vice Principal, Oldham College

“What you did in talking with my pupils helps me fulfill that vision I have as Headteacher. The children will have got such a powerful message from you and your outlook on life. It helps instill attitudes and positive perspectives and so much more ----. You cannot put a price on this – it is powerful teaching at its best – children having attitudes and values shaped by learning from, and witnessing the virtues, of people such as yourself…what I can only describe as a wonderful presentation for my pupils. Children and staff alike felt that it was marvelous. It was obvious to us all that the children were motivated and enthused about what you had to tell them. I would also be very happy to bring you to the attention of all of my Headteacher colleagues and every school in Oldham”
Mr Dickinson, Headtecher, St Josephs Primary School

“Andy came into Archbishop Temple to talk to our Year 11 pupils on their last day of school. His compelling life story, told with humour and intense passion mesmerised and inspired students and staff alike. A fantastic message to give to any individual about to undertake a period of transition. We look forward to seeing Andy again for more sessions next year”
Mathew Baines, Assistant Head Teacher, Archbishop Temple Secondary School, Preston

“I thought Andy was rally brave his words were special to me and he was a good laugh. I hope I will see him again, he’s a cool dude”.
Sanchez Francis (Year 7 Boy)

" The year 5 children at St Mary's RC Primary school thoroughly enjoyed Andy's visit. They got such a lot out of his talk, he is truely inspirational. I think the biggest lesson they learnt was not to focus on what you can't do, but always find a way to achieve what you want to, even if that means finding new ways to do things. It has opened their minds to new possiblilities and made them look at new challenges with a much more positive approach."
Mrs J Forshaw (Headteacher) St Mary’s RC Primary School

“Andy made me cry, how inspirational is he? My mum told my family all about Andy when she got home”.
Shannon Green (Year 10 Girl)

“So inspiring, very engaging, captured the whole audience.”
Sarah Robinson (Head of PE)

“Andy’s message crossed all age groups”.
Fran Bury (Assistant Head of PE)

“I’ve got my target group in mind already for Andy to mentor”.
Andrea Oliver (Year 7 Manager)

“…what I can only describe as a wonderful presentation for my pupils. Children and staff alike felt that it was marvelous. It was obvious to us all that the children were motivated and enthused about what you had to tell them” .
Headteacher St Josephs Primary School

After Dinner/ Motivational Speaking

"Andy provided a phenomenal speech for our Charity Sportsmans Dinner & captivated the 200 strong audience with his life story. He is warm and very funny, a really genuine bloke. Andy certainly gave everyone something to think about and left us feeling totally inspired. More importantly for us, he encouraged everyone to dig deep and donate lots of money to our charity!"
Lyndsay Snodgrass, Trustee Debbie Plowman Happy Faces Trust.

I was the M.C. for the night of the Presentation Evening, Andy was a dream to work with, I could see the reaction of the 800 strong audience from the stage and the whole hall sat up and took notice and gave Andy the respect he deserved.
Anjum Raza (Intervention Manager), Hathershaw College

"FANTASTIC role model. You cannot put a price on this."
Andy Dickinson, St Josephs.

"Andy provided a phenomenal speech for our Charity Sportsmans Dinner & captivated the 200 strong audience with his life story. "
Lyndsay Snodgrass, Trustee Debbie Plowman Happy Faces Trust.

“So inspiring, very engaging, captured the whole audience.”
Sarah Robinson (Head of PE)

"He defines the word ‘inspirational’ and made a big impression on everyone that came.”
Nick Hart, Head of CSR, Turner Broadcasting System Europe (CNN, Cartoon Network, TCM etc).