Student graduates despite sight setback

A Wrexham student whose sight deteriorated so much that she had to quit driving midway through studying for her degree has overcome the setback to graduate.

Christina Jones, 43, was ready to give up studying after being diagnosed with the serious eye condition glaucoma just as she was completing a foundation degree in Sports Science at Glyndŵr University. But her family and her course lecturers persuaded her to carry on and on Friday 31 October she collected a BSc (Hons) Sports Science in front of hundreds of graduates in the University’s William Aston Hall.

 “I feel fantastic,” said Christina, who was forced to hand in her driving licence after 25 years. “My daughters were here to see me collect my award and they’re proud of their mum. I couldn’t have achieved it without them.

“Losing my eyesight was a massive shock. I felt for some time that there was a problem but it was much more serious than I thought.”

Christina, who worked as a fitness instructor before enrolling on the course, has now secured employment as a physical activity motivator for Kelloggs in Wrexham. She will work with staff to improve their general fitness and educate them about the benefits of exercise.

Christina added: “The problem with my sight has restricted what I can go into but I wouldn’t have got the job without my degree. The university gives fantastic support to people with disabilities, which was a great help.

“I was the oldest on my course – most of the students were the same age as my children – but all of the students I met and worked with were really nice. Hopefully my achievements will inspire my daughters to go and achieve at university as well.”

Glyndŵr University held four awards ceremonies over two days, formally recognising the achievements of more than 1,000 students.

Graduates were also given a special commemorative coin to mark the first awards ceremonies at the University, formed in July when the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education was granted full university status.

Professor Michael Scott said: “My congratulations go to everyone on their achievements. I am proud to be able to celebrate success with all of our graduates, and to acknowledge the hard work which each individual has put in to achieve their degree.”

Read more about Sport & Exercise Sciences at Glyndŵr University