Ex-soldier Daniel Bingley, from Wootton in Bedford, credits a degree scholarship for disabled veterans from The Open University for helping him turn his life around, after a career-ending injury put paid to the working life he had known.<\/p>\n
As a career soldier from a military family, Daniel fully expected to continue in the job until a serious injury, sustained while in training to become a sergeant, saw him medically discharged in 2017.<\/p>\n
Now, the 40-year-old is in the middle of studying for a BA (Hons) in Computing and IT, all thanks to the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund (DVSF), which is supported by generous donations from OU alumni, businesses and supporters of the University.<\/p>\n
Daniel went on to secure a job at American multi-national company DXC Technology, a provider of IT and Consulting Services. His role in the company is as a network architect team lead.<\/p>\n
“My OU studies were instrumental in me getting this job,” he said.<\/p>\n
The father of three spent 18 years in the Army, having joined as a 16-year-old when he went to the Army Foundation College at Harrogate.<\/p>\n
“I was very patriotic and wanted to make a difference not just to this country but to others, because that is part of my nature.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Daniel was training to lift his rank from corporal in the 1st<\/sup> Yorkshire Regiment when he fell and damaged his knees while carrying a stretcher. It has meant he has spent the past seven years in and out of hospital, initially becoming a wheelchair user, before receiving the life-changing news that his leg was to be amputated.<\/p>\n
However, he is matter of fact about his situation, saying, “I fully enjoyed my time in the Army. I got to go around the world. I can’t complain at that.”<\/p>\n
Other benefits included taking on an ABA boxing coaching course and working as a summer mountaineering leader.<\/p>\n
“I’ve gone across the mountains of Corsica. I did so many different things and had so many opportunities that I probably wouldn’t have had. It’s just a shame that it came to an end after my injuries.<\/em>“<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
To Daniel, his disability has “impacted him but not defined him”.<\/p>\n
He also revealed that it was only thanks to all the donors who had supported the scholarship that he was studying.<\/p>\n
“If you change a person’s life, you change the outcome of their life and you also change the family and friends around them, which is so key,” he said.<\/p>\n
Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns<\/strong>, welcomed the difference made by the scholarships. He said:<\/p>\n
“The Open University’s Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship programme represents a vital opportunity for those wounded in service, empowering veterans to build on the skills gained in the military and forge meaningful new career paths.<\/em><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em>“Education has the power to transform lives after military service, opening new doors and providing veterans with the skills and confidence to pursue fulfilling civilian careers. Daniel’s story is a great example of this.<\/em><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em>\u201cThe government is committed to renewing its contract with those who have served. Alongside government-backed tools like Career Transition Partnerships, Service Leavers Adjustments Passports and the new employment pathway Op ASCEND, scholarships like this ensure veterans can reach their full potential in the workplace.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u00a0<\/em>DVSF has awarded 363 scholarships since its introduction in 2018, over seven cohorts. To be eligible for the next scholarship cohort, applicants must:<\/p>\n
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- Be starting OU study as a new or returning student in academic year 2025\/26<\/li>\n
- Be ordinarily resident in the UK and eligible for a UK fee<\/li>\n
- Be disabled because of, or in, military service. Applicants must also provide evidence confirming that their disability arose during, or as a result of, military service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n