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20 | InTouch SUMMER 2024 ANDREW’S OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND THRIVING AGAINST ALL ODDS Andrew Farmer has owned his own business for more than 40 years and despite the struggles of his condition, and business disruptions, his repair work is still going strong! He tells his story to In Touch ... FEATURE In life, we often encounter unexpected challenges, and for me, these began during my schooling years. I underwent numerous operations that were thought to be corrective surgeries, yet it wasn’t until later that I learned about the true nature of my condition—CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves. At that time, much about it was still unknown, and my schooling was significantly impacted. In Secondary School, I missed over nine months of school due to a severe infection that nearly led to an amputation. This experience was not only physically painful but also emotionally taxing, as I found myself falling behind in my studies. Unfortunately, this pattern continued throughout my high school years, where further surgeries interrupted my education and, in many ways, shaped my early life experiences. A Journey of Resilience Despite these setbacks, I was eager to step into the working world. At the age of 16, I landed a job with Mr. Jock Laing at Laing Shoe Repairs, located at 450 George Street in Dunedin. Mr. Laing, affectionately known as Jack, had established his shoe repair business back in 1952. Working alongside him for six years taught me not only the intricacies of shoe repair but also the importance of dedication and hard work. When Jack decided to retire, he offered to sell me the business. At just 22 years old, I faced a daunting responsibility, but I took the leap of faith and accepted the challenge. Now, many years later, I am still repairing shoes, and it warms my heart to see customers returning to me, sometimes bringing their children and grandchildren along. It’s a beautiful cycle of trust and community, and I’ve even expanded my services to include key cutting, which has seamlessly integrated with the shoe repair business. Above, left to right: 10 years ago, the effects of CMT are clear in Andrew’s hands as he works. Andrew hard at work repairing shoes.