Jed Thirkettle (Loxwood, 2018) was once told by doctors that he would be lucky to live to his early twenties. Diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at age 8, doctors told his parents he would be in a wheelchair by 12, and on a ventilator by 14.

Now, aged 26, he shares his story in a feature video interview, having returned to Berkhamsted as an OB: a businessman and fundraiser of over £250,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

From finding his voice on stage to forging friendships in the Loxwood House room, Jed fondly recalls his favourite moments at Berkhamsted, and proves how embracing opportunities at this School can be life changing.

One skill developed at Berkhamsted particularly stands out to Jed as essential to his trajectory post-School. He describes his public speaking skills, developed through opportunities in drama, debating and in leadership as Head Boy, as a powerful and distinctly Berkhamstedian quality. In the interview, Jed discusses how shocked he was to discover that his assured speaking skills were a unique advantage at university and beyond.

He also proudly recognises that same confidence in the pupils of today. Reflecting on his return to host Berkhamsted Proms in the Quad, Jed was blown away by the pupil bands performing: “You had students who had formed their own bands in their own time, written their own music, had their own choreography, their own outfits. And the confidence that some of these students were going up with is just insane. I mean, we never had that even when I was here.”

Jed’s battle with Muscular Dystrophy only tells half of the story of the OB he has become. His story is remarkable: it is one of motivation, passion and embracing every opportunity he has been given at Berkhamsted School.

Watch the full interview on YouTube and experience Jed’s remarkable journey — a story that will inspire current pupils and resonate with former students.

How Jed Rewrote the Future He Was Never Meant to Live