Kirk Hopewell was in the latter years of senior school when he discovered he had dyslexia.

By then it was too late. He struggled with academia and, in his own words, didn't do too well at school. But now he's about to start a Masters degree to progress in his career.

Many people suffer from dyslexia but, like Kirk, are determined it will not hold them back.

He has developed coping mechanisms to deal with it and he's had help and support from others.

"It doesn't have to stop your life. If you want to do something you can go and do it because there are support networks; there are people you can ask and that is the main thing. You are not on your own," says Kirk.

Undertaking a GNVQ in health and social care gave Kirk the impetus to pursue a career in caring. He worked in nursing homes during his studies and, after completing the course, worked with autistic children.

"I found that really interesting and followed my heart. I thought this is what I really want to do," says the 28-year-old from Cottingley.

He joined the NHS as a health care assistant at the former Westwood Hospital in Bradford, then spent three years working in forensic services based at Lynfield Mount in the city. While there he undertook an access to higher education course in health and social care. Applying for a nursing secondment with the NHS enabled Kirk to receive financial support while continuing his studies at the University of Bradford.

"I started off doing an advanced diploma in nursing for mental health. I'd done two years of my training and I got good marks, which enabled me to top up to a degree in my final year. I thought I may as well go the whole hog and go for the degree as well," says Kirk.

"Dyslexia affects people in different ways. I do struggle with academia but obviously as I have got older I've learned coping mechanisms to manage. It's also about asking other people, becoming more confident in yourself and believing in yourself.

"Your reading ability is slower and sometimes it affects your short-term memory, but it's about using tools to manage all those things.

"I've developed coping strategies to get round them. One of my coping skills is time management and organisational skills, because you have to plan things well ahead. If I have to complete an assignment in 12 weeks I know I need to do so much each day or week.

"My learning process may be a bit slower, but it is achievable."

He completed his three year degree course in mental health nursing, with honours, in September. "I was thrilled by the time I got to the end of it... and shocked I'd done it.

"But I have done it. It's a huge achievement and something to be proud of because you do doubt yourself and think you won't be able to do things. But you can do anything in the world if you put your mind to it. You have to have the confidence and self-esteem to do it."

Kirk is now working full-time at Lynfield Mount as a staff nurse in elder adult mental health.

"It's a person-centred approach working with patients, engaging with them and improving their quality of life. It's also looking at health and social care and trying to promote independence.

"I want to reduce the stigma of mental health and enhance people's lives. People need to be included regardless of health problems they may have.

"It is very satisfying - making people happy and well and obviously seeing them go home or move forward," Kirk adds.

Not one to rest on his laurels, he's also studying for his masters, a post- graduate certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. "It's to test myself and it's another tool to enhance my skills. If I can do it, anybody can."

If you want to follow in Kirk's footsteps, the University of Bradford's School of Health Studies is seeking new recruits for its courses starting in March this year. There are currently places available in adult nursing, mental health and learning disability nursing.

For more information contact the recruitment team on (01274) 236367, e-mail soh-recruitment@bradford.ac.uk or visit www.bradford.ac.uk and click on courses'.