The Isle of Man has welcomed its first qualified music therapist after Heather Daykin graduated with distinction from the University of South Wales.

Heather completed the Cardiff university’s MA in Music Therapy after three years of study, travelling nearly 30,000 miles between the island and Wales while continuing to work, run her own business and raise her young family.

She is now preparing to establish music therapy services for people of all ages across the island to help improve cognitive, social, physical and emotional wellbeing.

Heather’s achievement comes after her own experience of rehabilitation, having become a wheelchair user after developing paralysis following what doctors believe was a complication of Covid-19.

During months of rehabilitation, music became an important part of her recovery, both physically and emotionally, inspiring her to pursue a career in music therapy.

She said: ‘Music got me through my rehabilitation and gave me hope. Travelling backwards and forwards to the UK seemed like a crazy idea at the time, but studying gave me purpose and belief that there was something positive ahead.’

Heather completed the University of South Wales’ blended-learning programme, travelling to Newport every fortnight during term time while completing clinical placements in the island.

Across the three-year course, she completed 82 flights and more than 110 train journeys, travelling a total of 27,321 miles.

Before beginning her studies, Heather approached healthcare organisations across the Isle of Man to establish whether there was a need for music therapy services.

Their support helped her secure more than £20,000 in funding from charitable trusts, businesses and community organisations, including Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust, Auxesia, LMS Partners, Malcolm Scott Dickinson Charitable Trust, Ramsey Crookall, Manx Children in Need, Investec and Microgaming.

Heather said: ‘I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who believed in this vision. This qualification doesn’t belong only to me - it belongs to the whole community that got behind the idea of bringing music therapy to the Isle of Man.’

During her training, Heather worked with children and young people experiencing mental health challenges, hospice patients and their families, adults with complex learning disabilities and people living with dementia.

She also developed community projects including singing for wellbeing sessions and therapeutic music groups.

‘Music therapy can support people from birth through to end of life, it offers another way of communicating when words aren't enough and can make a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing.’

Heather has already established herself as a private practitioner and is working with healthcare providers and community organisations to develop longer-term music therapy services across the island.

Her achievements have also been recognised internationally after she was awarded one of only 10 scholarships worldwide by the World Federation of Music Therapy, allowing her to attend its international congress in Bologna, Italy.

Reflecting on her journey, she said: ‘Three years ago I was wondering if I’d ever walk properly again. Now I’ve found myself walking 2.4 miles uphill to the Sanctuary of San Luca in Bologna after attending my first World Congress as a qualified music therapist.’

‘When life gives you lemons, make music. And whatever you do, don’t give up.’

Dr Elizabeth Coombes, Course Leader for Music Therapy at the University of South Wales, said Heather’s determination had been ‘amazing’.

She added: ‘Now that the island can benefit from music therapy, the sky’s the limit for enriching therapeutic provision in Heather’s community.’