COMPUTING has given Ian Kay a new start in life.

Considering three years ago he was told by doctors he wouldn't survive 18 months because of a heart complaint, his achievements are amazing.

Following a series of life-saving operations on his heart and a crippling asthma condition, 35-year-old Ian found himself with time on his hands. Unable to do anything physical because of his condition, he picked up a computer magazine and the love affair began.

Once recovered Ian, from Blackshaw House, was desperate to occupy his time, but was limited to what he could do because he couldn't even walk upstairs without collapsing.

Enthusiasm

He was referred to a disability working advisor, who he told about his interest and was sent to Panacea Professional training to complete a work Based Training for Adults programme.

It wasn't long before Ian completed two NVQs at the centre on Washington Street in Deane, demonstrating to bosses his enthusiasm and commitment.

Also using his time to learn about building computers, bosses decided Ian would be a welcome addition to the training staff at Panacea and offered him a job as a trainee trainer.

Ian now says he has turned a corner in his life since he joined Panacea and is enjoying the work immensely.

He told the BEN: "It has given me a new lease of life and I love it. From going to thinking I would die, then I'd never work again to a job like this is amazing. I am now in a reasonable job with career prospects in a growth industry. When employers see someone like me they can be very sceptical because of the condition. The job market can be hard for people with health problems like mine, but here they have written into my contract they will be flexible especially with time off. Since I started it has given a boost both mentally and physically and I feel better than I have done for ages."

Ian's main job at Panacea is to train people in basic information technology. Some of the people he teaches have never used a computer before. "It is very satisfying," he said. "To show someone who thinks they haven't got a clue what to do how to use a computer and watch them learn thanks to me is great."

"Two years or even 12 months ago I thought my life was over. I did my fair share of feeling sorry for myself, but then I realised I had to get up and do something and now I couldn't be happier."

David Williams, director at Panacea Professional Training says everyone there thinks the world of Ian and they were glad to help him out. "This man had gone through living hell," he said. "Considering his past he is a computer expert beyond belief and he has a fine future here ahead of him."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.