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Getting into the car and driving to work each day is something most of us take for granted.

But for Luke, who has struggled all of his life with anxiety and OCD, it brings with it the glimpse of an independent future his parents feared their son may never achieve.

The irony that Luke has taken that step at a time when the whole world fears for its safety, is not lost on mum and dad, Denise and Kevin.

What’s more, their son has stepped up as one of our local heroes, starting a part-time job with Serco helping to deliver catering services at The James Cook University Hospital.

“I suppose it does feel a bit weird at the moment because of the coronavirus, but you just have to get on with it,” he said. “I have always wanted to help people out and now I can.”

It’s a massive achievement for the 20-year-old from Redcar who has some learning and physical difficulties which can affect his energy levels and muscle strength.

Luke puts part of his new found confidence, and the job, down to a short Prince’s Trust Team course at Redcar and Cleveland College which he took part in before the UK went into lockdown.

The programme offers young people aged 16 to 25 the chance to develop new skills by taking part in a series of tasks and challenges.

It certainly seems to have given Luke a boost, as in a few short weeks he has gone from having to be coaxed into the room on the first day to zip wiring on an outdoor adventure residential.

Denise said: “The team were really good with him and did everything they could to make it work. While he wasn’t ready to stay overnight during the residential, they allowed us to pick him up and drop him off each day so he still felt like a part of the team.

“They took him totally out of his comfort zone and he really enjoyed it. We were gobsmacked to see a picture of him on the zip wire.”

As for the job with Serco, that came as an unexpected bonus. Work experience is a core part of the personal development course and Luke was lucky enough to be offered a part-time paid position.

Now seeing him step up to work in the hospital kitchens, his mum said: “Of course we worry but his confidence just seems to be there at the moment and this is what he wants to do. He has his own car but he would never go anywhere in it on his own, but over the weeks he has gradually built up to it and now he is going to work independently. We are so proud.”

Luke’s manager, Rick Dodgson, Soft Services Manager at Serco, said: “From the first day we met Luke, it was clear that he had the drive and passion to help people, essential qualities within a hospital setting. It was an easy decision to give Luke the opportunity to join our patient catering team on a part-time, temporary basis.

“Initially, he was in awe of the size and pace of the patient catering service, operated by Serco, at The James Cook University Hospital. Luke quickly settled into the team, assisting in all areas of the kitchen and always with a cheeky smile. As patients enjoy their food, Luke can feel proud of the part he has played to make a difference to their day and help with their recovery.”

Craig Murphy, Team Leader of the Prince’s Trust course at Redcar and Cleveland College, said: “To see Luke progress is incredible. Throughout the course we could see his confidence grow. He could easily have become overwhelmed with everything that’s going on at the moment, but he really wants to make a difference.”

Luke Preparing For Lunch
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