Completing the rigorous rabbinical studies course is tough for anyone with a full-time job. But Gideon Schulman has also had to cope with Multiple Sclerosis.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and London Beth Din head Dayan Menachem Gelley were among the 100 people at Rabbi Schulman's ordination ceremony at Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue. The shul's minister, Rabbi Chaim Kanterovitz, had guided him through the course material on Jewish law.

Hendon-based Rabbi Schulman, 36, is an HR director working with online gaming companies.His two-year online rabbinic semicha training programme involved two weekly video conference sessions with tutors in Israel.

Also a trustee of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Rabbi Schulman said his illness had to be managed carefully. "I didn't think I would be physically able of doing the course because MS affects cognition and energy levels. I don't see myself taking a pulpit role, but to have semicha is a milestone. I plan to teach privately as a way of giving back."

Rabbi Kanterovitz said it was a story "of someone who would not take no for an answer studying and achieving. If Gideon can do it, anyone else can learn Torah."