HELPING HAND
Kayode Aderinwale, 47, from London, changed his day job after hearing of his niece’s diagnosis…
Moving to the UK from Nigeria in 2009, I was extremely excited for my lifestyle to change. Continuing my full-time job as an accountant, I enjoyed my work, but I knew I had a greater potential.
That’s when in 2018, I decided it was time to switch things up a little.
I had settled down in the UK with my wife Omobola and my two beautiful daughters, Hephzibah and Beulah, by my side.
However, my niece Damiloji, who lived in Nigeria, had been diagnosed with Cerebral palsy.
At first, I didn’t even know what this condition meant, but knowing she wasn’t able to get the same healthcare in Nigeria as she potentially would be receiving in the UK, I was really worried.
A smiley and playful little girl was starting to suffer.
Influenced by my niece, I wanted to know more about people with learning difficulties.
So, I made the decision to start a three year postgraduate nursing degree.
I could help the UK’S health service and support others, just like my niece, who needed help.
Whilst studying, I also needed to be on placement in a range of wards and hospitals.
The whole process was amazing and it sure did make a change to my usual office work.
Finally, in March 2020, I hit the final year of my studies.
Yet, Covid had a different idea. At my placement in St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, I worked with those who had learning difficulties and health issues.
Covid meant that nursing became difficult and patients didn’t understand what was going on.
Just months into the pandemic, I had even been asked to administer vaccines to these vulnerable patients.
Even though the vaccination would protect them, it wasn’t an easy process.
A lot of the patients had an extreme fear of needles and it took weeks to finally build up their confidence enough.
I would use coping methods and relaxation techniques to put them at ease.
Trying to make the idea of
It was time to switch things up
having a vaccination more fun for them.
Soon enough, everyone had been safely vaccinated.
It was so rewarding to know that I had helped the individuals to overcome an uncertain time in their lives.
After graduating early last year, I knew I wanted to carry on working with individuals I had helped on my placement.
Watching them grow is something I am grateful for.
Yet, I have to say thank you to someone else.
My niece who inspired me to do all of this and I would love to see more of the world with my family.
But for now, I’m in a place where I can offer support to those who need it the most.