Adult learners celebrated during West Suffolk College awards ceremony in Bury St Edmunds
A 75-year-old grandmother who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis was among a group of adult learners who were celebrated at an awards ceremony.
Jan MacDonald, of Bury St Edmunds, received a top student award during the annual West Suffolk College adult learner awards event.
Following a 40-year career as a teacher, Jan was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in her 70s before she began learning for fun in 2019 by taking a course in English and maths and she then completed a GCSE in biology this year.
“My friends and children think I’m nuts,” Jan said. “But going back into education keeps you active.
“You meet a wide section of people and I find it’s easier to learn when you get older as you have more life experience.”
The awards ceremony was held at the University Studies Professional Development Centre and Jan, alongside eight other students, were awarded for their hard work in front of around 200 audience members.
Other adult learning winners included Natilie Geddings, 30, from Great Blakenham, who took a carpentry course to help her relax and gain new skills away from her job as a business analyst.
Laura Mower, 37, from Mundford in Norfolk, has also completed a biology GCSE to support her dream of becoming a veterinary nurse.
The college delivers thousands of qualifications to students through its adult learning programmes and the winners were chosen for their exceptional efforts throughout the year.
They received a certificate from Dr Nikos Savvas, CEO and principal of the Eastern Education Group, while all learners who passed an access to higher education course came up and had their photograph taken with him.
Heidi Proctor, head of personal and professional learning in Bury, said: “The event was amazing - it was a lovely atmosphere and it was great to champion lots of powerful stories of people going back into education in later life.
“We had an open event displaying student work in areas such as floristry and pottery for people to find out about our varied programmes and we also had a ceremony for current students, celebrating their achievements over the year.
“It got quite emotional seeing the award winners pick up their prizes and my message to others is that it’s never too late to start learning again.”