Eighteen years ago, Prof Ahmed Hankir faced homelessness and a mental health crisis.

Ah, the classic rags-to-riches tale with a mental health twist! Meet Prof Ahmed Hankir, who went from being homeless and struggling with mental health to becoming an award-winning psychiatrist. How inspiring! It’s like a Hollywood movie, but with more flashbacks and fewer red carpets. Who needs a stable upbringing and smooth-sailing education when you can have traumatic events and crushing setbacks to spice up your journey to success?

Ahmed’s story is a rollercoaster of emotions, from witnessing the aftermath of a brutal civil war to dodging judgmental college staff who think dreams are meant to be shattered, not pursued. And let’s not forget the kebab van escapades and the joy of working 70-hour weeks just to make ends meet. It’s like a crash course in resilience with a side of existential crisis.

But fear not, dear readers, for Ahmed’s journey doesn’t end in despair. No, he rises from the ashes like a phoenix, armed with resilience, exercise, and a newfound mission to combat mental health stigma. Who knew that sharing your struggles could lead to prestigious awards and book deals? It’s almost as if vulnerability is the new superpower. So, here’s to Ahmed Hankir, the hero we didn’t know we needed, proving that sometimes, the road to success is paved with trauma, tears, and a touch of sarcasm. Cheers to that!