Student's emotional film aims to show there is life and hope after meningitis
A student who contracted meningitis at the age of 19 has produced an emotional film highlighting how he believes a life-changing disability doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams.
Jonathan Brough was in Canada training to be a skiing instructor when he was diagnosed with the condition, and subsequent complications in his treatment left him paralysed from the neck down.
But despite his disability, and the fact he requires round the clock care, he has since fulfilled his dream of pursuing his studies and is now in his final year of a Media Arts degree at Plymouth University.
As one of his final year projects, Jonathan has written and produced a film about his experiences in the hope of raising awareness of the condition, but also to inspire others with a serious disability to think about what they might achieve in the future.
Jonathan, now 25, who hails from Minchinhampton in Gloucestershire, said: “Life throws many challenges at you, but I hope the film will show people that no matter what you go through, it is how you approach things that makes you who you are. Meningitis and disability are both serious issues, but I wanted to deal with them in a positive way and show what I have been through and achieved following my injury. I also hope the film helps people to get a better understanding of the potential effects of meningitis and how it can happen to anyone at any time of life.”
In the film, made for the national charity Meningitis Now, Jonathan describes how he spent more than six months in intensive care and, at first, could only communicate through blinking. But through pioneering medical treatment, in particular at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury, he learnt to speak again and pursue his ambition of going to university.
He added: “When I was first was told about the opportunity I knew I wanted to go, but I wasn't sure it would be possible. Being at Plymouth University has helped me to discover a passion for film making that has helped me to express myself and I have worked on several exciting projects. The support I have received here has been excellent, in particular that of the Disability Assist team, which has helped make the whole thing possible.”
As well as his studies, Jonathan has also discovered a passion for music, and regularly performs as a beatbox artist at venues in Plymouth and closer to home.
Phaedra Stancer, Programme Leader of BA (Hons) Media Arts at Plymouth University, said: “Jonathan is a true inspiration to everyone who meets him, and his disability is never the focus for long. It is Jonathan’s enquiring mind and dedication to his studies which really stand out, and he is a very talented and ambitious student who engages in all the opportunities offered to him. I can see a great future for him as a filmmaker and look forward to hearing about his graduate successes in the coming years.”
To view Jonathan’s film, Meningitis & Me, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLpqkmk_wFo and for details about studying Media Arts at Plymouth University click here.
