Dexter leaves school on a high (From The Oxford Times)
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Dexter leaves Bicester school on a high
1:40pm Friday 3rd August 2012 in Education
By Amanda Williams
Dexter Asiedu on his final day at school with headteacher Chris Hughes, left, mum Janice Edmunds, centre, and deputy head Jan Burley
THE moment a child leaves school is a proud one for any mum.
But for Janice Edmunds watching son Dexter Asiedu walk into a ceremony to mark his departure from the Bardwell School, in Bicester, was particularly moving.
The 19-year-old is severely physically and mentally disabled and has not walked since he was a young child.
However staff at the school, where he has been for 17 years were determined that Dexter would proudly walk into his last school assembly, held in his honour at the end of the term.
Ms Edmunds, of Bicester, said: “It was such an emotional moment for the family to see.
“The staff at the school have been absolutely amazing over the years.
“They were determined that he should walk before he left school. He took up to 12 steps in to the hall.
“They had him at the back of the room, and then when he got up and started walking people were cheering him along. As it got louder you could see as he started to walk faster and faster.
“The smile across Dexter’s face said it all.
“He knew he had achieved something great.”
Dexter is believed to be the only sufferer of the rare blood disorder and has been seen by specialists from across the world.
His complex needs mean he is unable to talk, and will never be able to live independently.
He joined the special needs school, in Hendon Place, when he was just two.
Since then, Ms Edmunds said he had gone from strength to strength and exceeded all expectations.
