Newcastle University Student graduates despite debilitating condition, crossing the stage on a stretcher.

Melanie Hartshorn suffers from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which causes her joins to dislocate. She is often left bed bound and in constant pain. However, she managed to complete her degree in biology and cross the stage to celebrate her graduation. Read more here. 

After almost dying from a kidney infection while studying, a Grandmother, 86, from the University of Bristol, graduates with a doctorate after completing a 48,000 word history dissertation.

Peggy Styles completed her doctorate after 8 years of study where she overcame a kidney infection which had her fighting for her life and suspending her studies. During this time she also dealt with the death of her husband, John.

Peggy gets to graduate with the support of her daughter, son-in-law and her grandsons when she crosses the stage to collect her award. Read more here.

Oklahoma high school student walks for the first time on his graduation day.

Micah McDade, suffering from cerebral palsy, took it upon himself to, after countless hours of physical therapy, to shock his peers, staff and family by rising from his wheelchair to walk across the stage and collect his diploma at graduation. Read more here.

As always – any questions please take a look at our website or if you need to speak to someone contact the Graduation Office on graduation@shu.ac.uk.

The Graduation Team