I received my final degree result last week, and I'm delighted to let you know that I have been awarded First-Class Honours. For my individual modules, I received two Firsts, one 2:1, & one 2:2, so I am really pleased that it averaged out at a First. During my first week of the degree in 2006, particularly when I was seriously contemplating quitting, I could never have envisaged coming out with such a great result, so I'm utterly delighted and relieved.
Another piece of great news is that I have been offered a Training Contract with Stewarts Law to start in September 2011 following the conclusion of my Legal Practice Course and Masters at university. I started applying for Training Contract’s last summer, and although I had two interviews, I didn't get either, so I'm chuffed to bits that I have finally secured one, particularly with such a great firm. I did some work experience with Stewarts Law last summer, and really enjoyed my time with them, so I am really looking forward to starting with them.
There is a long left now until we leave on the cruise. As with all things nowadays, it is taking a massive amount of planning, but it will definitely all be worth it I hope.
Enjoy the sunshine!

Well that is it -- my days as an undergraduate Law student are over! I am fairly satisfied with how my exams went, but the proof will be in the pudding when I get my results. My exams were really tiring, and I pulled a few all night sessions of revision beforehand, so I was pretty exhausted when they were over last Wednesday. I went out to the pub that night in the hope of celebrating both the completion of my degree, and also a Manchester United victory in the Champions League, but had to be satisfied with just the former.
During the build up to my exams, I was invited to attend two events in London. The first was the annual fund-raising dinner for the Backup trust, at which I gave a brief talk. Backup are the charity with whom I first went skiing to Sweden with in 2006, and I have since become a mentor with them, speaking with newly injured people with spinal cord injury, and hopefully helping them through their ordeal a little bit. I was incredibly nervous before the talk, and hadn't had much time to prepare anything as I was concentrating on my revision, but all in all it was well received. I had a great time, and a fantastic amount of money was raised, so all round the evening was a success. I was also invited to attend a prize winners reception for the Girdlers Association at which I received an award for overcoming adversity since my accident -- not sure exactly what I have done which is considered extraordinary, but I was delighted to receive it nevertheless!
My family and I have now booked our summer holiday. We have booked a cruise to the Mediterranean which should be brilliant! Nowadays, I get a little bored on holidays as I am not able to do the same things other people do, or the things I used to be able to do, so I thought that the idea of a holiday which would enable me to visit lots of different interesting places would be ideal. During the cruise we will be visiting (amongst other places) Rome, and Monte Carlo so I am really looking forward to it. I have just started reading ‘Angels and Demons’ by Dan Brown which is set in Rome, so it will be good to go to Rome and see the different locations the book is set in first-hand.
As for the present, I am just really enjoying the freedom of not having Uni work to do. The warm weather seems to have come out for me, so all in all, I am really looking forward to the summer!

I have pretty much broken up from University for exam leave now, prior to my first exam on 14th May. My exam timetable isn't too bad... I have two exams which fall on dates immediately after I have sat an exam the previous day which isn't great, but other than that I can't grumble too much.
My revision is going well. I started it about four weeks ago, and so I think I am about 3/4 of the way through it now. I am beginning to become a little burnt out I think, so I'm really looking forward to getting these exams out the way and relaxing during the summer!
It is going to be pretty full on up until my exams, so I won't be posting an update for about three weeks, but I will say hello as soon as they are out the way!

Well, that is it... I have finally submitted my final piece of coursework for my degree! It is such a relief to no longer have the additional burden of coursework, so now all I need to do is knuckle down and prepare for my exams in May! I was ecstatic on Tuesday when I found out that I had achieved 83% on my Environmental Law coursework, and things in general are going well at the moment.
I am off to Twickenham tomorrow to watch England play France in the Rugby, and I must say, I am not too confident. At the start of the Six Nations, I was quite confident that England would prove the doubters wrong and really do well, but as it stands, we have played three, lost two have only won one. So to say I am disappointed is an understatement. I will be happy tomorrow as long as we give a good account of ourselves...
I went back to the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital last week for my annual checkup, and thankfully, everything seems okay. It will be five years since my accident on the 4th April this year, and looking back, I cannot quite believe how much my life has changed. Although my life hasn't followed the smooth course I had envisaged, I am currently really happy in what I am doing, and I'm looking forward to the future. Despite my disability, I believe I can still achieve my potential as a Lawyer, and can forge a successful career for myself... I just have the small matter of passing my exams in the summer first! It was good news last week when I heard that Barack Obama had lifted the ban on stem cell research, which will hopefully pave the way for advances in the treatment of spinal cord injury, and hopefully lead to a cure. Although I hope that one day I can take advantage of any medical advancement, I am firmly of the belief that life is for living, and therefore until that day comes (if it ever does), I intend to make the most of my life and to continue taking each day as it comes.

I am now back to Uni following the Christmas break... it seemed to fly by!
It was great to catch up with my friends... a few good nights were had. I spent Christmas and New Year with my family which was nice, although I don't plan to see in next year with Mamma Mia ringing in my ears!
I am completely snowed under with Uni work at the moment...coursework/ seminar/ revision... the list goes on!
I have got my plans sorted for next year now. I'm going to do the Legal Practice Course (LPC) on a part-time basis at St Albans. The LPC is a mandatory course which must be passed for all prospective solicitors, and I am hoping that doing it in familiar surroundings will make it a little easier?!
Must get back to the coursework...

I broke up from University for the Christmas break last Friday, and I am really enjoying the break! Unfortunately however, I have two pieces of coursework which need to be completed in January, and therefore I won't be having too many days off :(
During the break I am hoping to catch up with a lot of my mates who I haven't seen since we all returned to our separate Uni’s in the summer. I imagine that a few drinks will be in order, but hey it's the holidays...
During November I also applied to the ‘Backup’ Trust to go on a skiing holiday to Sweden with them in January. However, as this would have been my second time (I previously went in January 2006), they gave priority to those who hadn't been before with them, and unfortunately I missed out. I am going to undertake a group leader training course with them in April 2009, and hopefully this will increase my chances of being accepted as a team leader on one of next years courses.
I hope everyone has a Happy Christmas and a Fantastic New Year... roll on 2009!

My uncle has recently added a new section to the website, which includes some of the television films which have been shot since my accident. If you click on the videos tab at the top of the page, it should load for you...
I have been back at university now for a couple of months and I'm currently working on my employment law coursework. It is a really interesting course, and I am enjoying it the most out of all the modules I am taking. I am finding both the workload this year, and also the difficulty of the work a massive step up from my first two years, and I just seem to be reading whenever I have a spare moment.
Tomorrow night I am attending the Hertfordshire Law Society AGM at which I am picking up my award for the top second-year student from the University Law School. I am looking forward to it, and hoping that I can make a few contacts which will let me stand a better chance of getting a training contract.
I went to the England vs Australia game at Twickenham on Saturday, and although we lost, I really enjoyed myself as I was able to sit on the wheelchair Terrace. The terrace is located at the top of the second tier, and this gave me a much better view of the game. Also, if I'm able to sit there in future I'll be able to avoid the inevitable rain which always seems to fall at Twickenham!

Following my initial interview at the law firm in Luton, I was invited back for a second interview. This involved an abstract theory test (identifying patterns of shapes etc) and a proof reading test followed by a second interview with two of the partners of the firm. The interview went quite well, however they notified me last week that I was unsuccessful in applying for a training contract with them. I also had an interview with a law firm in Cambridge, which simply comprised of an interview with two of the firms partners. As with the interview Luton, I came away with the impression that I had held my own, and although they stated that they were very impressed and placed me on the reserve list (in case any of the applicants to whom they had offered the job turned it down), they too notified me last week that I had been unsuccessful. I am not too disheartened as I feel I have learnt a lot from these experiences, and hopefully I will be a stronger candidate next time I apply for my training contract.
My work experience in London which I completed at the end of September was really enjoyable, and I feel the experience of working in a busy city firm will stand me in good stead in the future. Whilst there I worked on a number of personal injury cases in which the claimant had suffered either catastrophic brain or spinal cord injury. As I hoped, my experience of spinal-cord injury really helped as otherwise I would have been totally stumped by the terminology they were using! I travelled down each day using the train, and although this was by far the most efficient way of getting into London, it was extremely tiring and by the end of the week I was relieved that it was over, and that I had a couple of weeks to rest and prepare for Uni.
I returned to Uni full-time a couple of weeks ago, and already I can fill my stress levels rising! However, I am really enjoying being back, and so far the modules I chose are proving to be really interesting (not to mention difficult!). I received some really good news last week that I had received the award for the highest grades for my year in the second year of my degree, and I am just hoping that I will be able to maintain this level during my third year!

Well, following the hours I spent filling in application forms for training contracts with legal firms, I was offered two interviews. I had my first interview last Monday at a law firm in Luton which specialises in a wide range of legal fields. This was my first real experience interviewing for a potential job, and so I did all the usual research etc, and hoped for the best. I think it went quite well, but I will find out this week if I have been invited back for a second interview, and I will let you know.
Next week I have been offered some work experience working in a legal firm in central London which specialises in personal injury, and particularly spinal-cord injury compensation claims. I am really looking forward to it, and hope that my experiences will give me a greater insight into the work they do.
I don't return to university for another three weeks, so after this next slot of work experience I will have a couple of weeks left to prepare all my materials. Last week I chose my modules for the forthcoming year (Employment law, Company law, Environmental law, and Equity and trusts) and I am just looking forward to getting stuck in again.
A few weeks ago I went to the Rugby League Challenge Cup final at Wembley and had a really great day. My brother travelled down from Manchester with a friend, and we went out on the Friday night and sank a few bevies. I don't see my brother too often, so it was great to see him (despite the fact that he managed to cost me £60 by placing a wrongly placed a bet -- if he would have done it correctly I would have won!)... a few of the pictures have been uploaded.
I will let you know how I get on with the interviews...

I have uploaded some photographs to a number of folders, which can be found below:

Work experience in Parliament: http://www.goforitmatt.com/modules/myalbum/viewcat.php?cid=26

Nights out: http://www.goforitmatt.com/modules/myalbum/viewcat.php?cid=28

Olney 7’s with Bedfordshire Tigers: http://www.goforitmatt.com/modules/myalbum/viewcat.php?cid=27

I have pretty much decided that I want to pursue a legal career as a solicitor, and therefore for the past couple of weeks I have been completing application forms to join various firms in 2010 after I have completed my university studies. I haven't yet decided which field of law I am going to specialise in, but I think it will be something involved with Commercial Law.
Our new puppy, Barney, is a really good dog, and has picked up a few basic commands quite quickly. He is still in the puppy stage where he wants to eat anything and everything, especially shoes. This morning he massacred one of my mum’s cushions which did not go down well!
During July I went to the Cotswolds for a week with my family which was a really nice break. Thankfully, the weather didn't play us up too much, and we were able to fully explore that area of the country, however any longer than a week would have proved too long as there is not all that much to do there! We visited Oxford for a day when it was absolutely boiling, and although there were millions of shoppers about I really enjoyed it. We also went to Weston Super Mare, and went on the Grand Pier for which proved to be our last time -- it has since been burnt to smithereens!
I am currently hoping that I am offered some interviews following the application forms that I have completed recently, but we shall have to wait and see.

I received my results last week for the exams I sat for my degree back in May. Although I was not very confident about how I had done, I am really pleased since I achieved two 1’s, and two 2:1’s. Neither my results this year, or my results from last year actually contribute towards my final degree grade, and therefore it all rests upon how I manage my third year. I don't return to Uni until the end of September, so I have lots of time to relax before I have to think about doing any work for it!
The puppies are now several weeks old, and are beginning to leave for their new homes. Although they all are adorable, I don't think I will be missing them too much as I think they have made it their personal mission over the past month to wake me up at five o'clock every morning. We have found nice homes for all the puppies, and I think Fudge will be the most relieved when they leave us!
My work experience in Westminster was a fantastic week, although I have to admit it really took its toll. I had to be there for 10 a.m. which meant I had to begin getting up at six o'clock every morning. The first few days I found this okay, however as the week progressed I slowly fell myself becoming more tired, to the extent that I fell asleep watching a debate in the House of Commons about the 42 day detention of terrorists. I spent the week working on projects for Mr Alistair Burt, the Conservative MP for North East Bedfordshire, and shadowing him on various tasks he undertook during the week. I was lucky enough to meet the leader of the Conservative party, David Cameron and have a brief chat with him regarding the care provided to spinal cord injury victims, and how in my opinion it could be improved. I thoroughly enjoyed my week down there, and it has really opened my eyes to the demanding job which the MPs have to do.

Last week I completed my second-year exams for my law degree, so it feels as if a real weight has been lifted off me at the moment. The past two months have been extremely busy preparing and revising for them, so it is nice not to have to think about law at the moment! My exams went okay... not as well as I would have liked, but I shall have to wait and see for my results in a couple of months.

Another really exciting piece of news is that our dog, Fudge, has given birth to five healthy, beautiful puppies. She started giving birth last Sunday morning at 5:30 a.m. and fortunately all went well. I have uploaded some photos onto the website if you want to have a look...

During the summer I have a few different work experience placements, one of which is working at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, so I'm really looking forward to those. However, as for now I am going to try and enjoy any good weather we have, and just wind down a little bit...

The Matt King golf challenge
2.00 pm Friday 6th June 2008

You are invited to enter up to four players, to play together in this, the fourth playing of the Matt King 9 hole Texas Scramble being held at the American Golf Kingsway facility, Melbourne, near Royston in aid of the Matt King fund. It will be a shotgun start 9 hole competition for golfers of mixed and non playing abilities, followed by a BBQ.

Prizes will be awarded for the various on course activities. A separate putting competition will be held, combined with champagne shooting.

Please confirm you and your team members availability by
30th April 2008.

Teams of four will be based on previous results, handicap, playing ability and bribery. The chief handicapper will determine your teams handicap.

Entry £25 per person, including range balls, 9 hole team competition and BBQ.

Finally, I am seeking hole sponsorship and competition prizes, as well as other elements related to the day in general. Since I am obviously trying to maximise the amount raised for the fund it would be greatly appreciated.

Should you be unable to participate due to other commitments but would nonetheless wish to sponsor a prize then please contact me.

I thank you on behalf of the Matt King fund for your support and look forward to seeing you on the day!

Regards,

Chris King
Tel 01462 701187

I have finally broken up from Uni for Easter after what seems like a never ending term. I got 2:1’s in both pieces of coursework I have submitted to date which I am really pleased with, and I have one more piece of coursework to get finished during the holiday. My exams don't start until mid May, so I have a bit of time before I start revising.

In addition to my work placement with Stewart’s Solicitors during the summer, Mr Alistair Burt MP has offered me some work experience shadowing him in Westminster. Although I am not too familiar with the workings of the political structure in this country, it should be a steep but enjoyable learning curve.

For the past year I have been mentoring a young lad who has been paralysed from the chest down, in conjunction with a charitable organisation called ‘Backup’. This entailed visiting and ringing him, and generally being somebody to talk to and last weekend I travelled to Stoke Mandeville for a mentoring training course. This involved learning and practising the various aspects which make a good mentor, such as listening techniques and asking appropriate open questions etc. Although the weekend was incredibly tiring, I found it really enjoyable. It was the first time since my discharge from hospital that I had been in the presence of other spinally injured people for a concerted period of time. As much as I learnt about mentoring, the weekend also gave me an opportunity to talk through issues regarding my disability with people in a similar position to myself which I found really helpful.

It is my 21st birthday on 20th March and I'm looking forward to celebrating it with my friends and family, and perhaps partying the night away!