Refugee who found home in city off to Cambridge
AN Iraqi refugee who left his parents for sanctuary in Wales has aced his A-levels and is off to Cambridge University.
Buraq Ahmed, 18, who left his parents in Iraq to travel to the UK with his grandmother to be treated for the condition congenital hip dysplasia, will study medicine at Fitzwilliam College after getting A* in biology, A* in chemistry, A* in economics and A* in maths.
His parents sold their home to pay for the trip so Buraq could get medical treatment in the UK when he was just three. He wouldn’t meet his parents again until he was 13.
Since then he has undergone nine surgeries and is on daily medication to manage extreme pain.
A right hip replacement operation last August made a significant difference and Buraq is now waiting a left hip replacement which is currently on hold due to Covid-19.
“Neither my grandmother or myself spoke English when we arrived in the UK and there were many days when I was unable to move” said Buraq.
“Initially we were only coming to the UK for a limited time however the Iraq War and terrorism attacks meant we couldn’t go back.
“As a child you don’t realise the trauma you and your family are going through and I was fortunate that my grandmother was always there for me.
“My aunt and uncle also subsequently moved to Cardiff and, as my grandmother was getting older by this time, we moved in with them and my young cousins.
“As I have got older, I have realised what a worrying time it must have been for my parents and my three younger brothers who were born after I left Iraq and now live in Belgium.”
Buraq was also a keen footballer and was chosen to play for Cardiff Academy. However, as his condition worsened, his physical movement became increasingly limited and he was unable to play.
“I was falling behind,” said Buraq “and realised I needed to focus on my studies more so I really engaged with my teachers and managed to get really good marks at GCSE.
“Having spent so much time in hospitals with some of my happiest times being looked after by amazing NHS nurses I decided that I wanted to help other people who were suffering.
“I also love science, so armed with some good GCSE grades, I decided to sit for a Sixth Form scholarship at Cardiff Sixth Form College.”
Buraq was awarded a 100% scholarship at Cardiff Sixth Form College.
Gareth Collier, principal of Cardiff Sixth Form College, said: “Buraq is an extraordinary student who out of adversity has really gone onto achieve great things.
“It astounds me that despite the traumatic start to his life, continued separation from his parents and strong medication that he uses to manage his daily pain, Buraq does not allow himself to dwell on these difficulties.
“Our NHS needs people like Buraq and I am truly delighted for him.”