Friday 24 May 2013
Former Leeds Grammar School student Aaron Brown inspired current GSAL sixth formers at their weekly assembly when he spoke about how he became a surgeon…despite coping with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Aaron, who is the first person with the condition to become a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, was diagnosed when he was four days old.
The 28 year old has a positive philosophy about life. He said: “If you want something in life, go all out to get it! Be the best you can.”
This determination was really put to the test when, days before his final surgeon’s exams, Aaron was rushed into hospital with pneumonia. However, undaunted he sat his exams later in the week.
Last year Aaron was nominated by the Cystic Fibrosis Association to carry the Olympic torch in the run-up to the Olympic Games, as “a mark of his amazing determination and optimism at coping with CF.”
Cystic fibrosis is a condition which affects the lungs and people who have it are also more prone to infection.
Andrew Wheeler, head of instrumental studies, taught Aaron at LGS and spoke warmly of his memories of him when he introduced Aaron to the assembled sixth formers.
Pictured are (L-R): GSAL’s head boy Tom Wilcox, head girl Charlotte Martin, Dr Aaron Brown, Andrew Wheeler, head girl Leah Weerasinghe and head boy James Roberts.