A talented student from Cambuslang has defied the odds to land an honours degree from university.
A talented student from Cambuslang has defied the odds to land an honours degree from university.
Richard Barclay, 22, who was born with cerebral palsy, earned a first class honours degree in accounting and finance at Strathclyde University achieving the highest set of marks in the subject there in a decade.
He was ranked number one in a department rated the best in the UK by the Complete University Guide.
Richard's cerebral palsy, a condition which affects movement and speech, proved no barrier to this amazing achievement.
And it's not the first time he's overcome his condition.
At the age of three, he walked for the first time, despite fears he would be wheelchair-bound.
Richard said: "I am extremely competitive and have always had a determination to succeed.
"The course has been extremely interesting and stimulating, especially the topics covered in the honours year.
"There is no denying the syllabus is challenging, and I will not miss the number of days and nights spent working on my dissertation.
"However, the rewards were worth the effort.
"Now I'm seeking a career which will challenge me as much as university did."
Richard has completed internships with leading auditing and investment firms, and is keen to build his career in the finance sector.
Among the first to congratulate him was Professor Andrew Marshall, head of the University's department of accounting and finance.
Professor Marshall said: "Richard's marks were outstanding and the highest of any intake of students over the last 10 years.
"His ability, work ethic and personality will make him a great asset for any firm.
"We are very proud of his achievements and look forward to watching his career progress.
"He has been a real inspiration to students."
In his spare time Richard is an avid music fan.
He likes to keep in contact with his favourite band, American rockers Toto, and was thrilled to have the chance to meet up with them.
He said: "Music is my main passion, but as I was unable to pursue it due to limitations in my dexterity, I chose to play to my strengths and study a discipline that would stretch me intellectually.
"With a speech difficulty, oral presentations were always interesting.
"However, if all else failed, humour usually won over the audience."
Richard says his mum and dad, Anne and Graham, are proud of his achievement.
He added: "They have never pressured me. They are extremely supportive of me regardless of what it is I'm doing.
"They just hope I am able to find a job relatively quickly so I can start paying my way!
"My attitude has always been that cerebral palsy makes me stand out from the crowd so why not stand out even more by achieving excellence?
"I'd say this motto has been quite effective in life."
