Case Studies

Lorna Hughes didn’t always want to be a nurse. In fact, she read Languages at University and went on to work as a translator for many years. But, after becoming a mother and caring for her father, Lorna realised that there was something else she desired for her life and career: nursing.

At 49 years of age, Lorna believed it was too late, that her chances of being accepted on to the University course were slim, however, as her children were growing up, and becoming more independent the desire to pursue a career in nursing grew.

“I kept saying to myself, it really is now or never and if you don’t try, you’ll never know”, says Lorna of Glan Conwy, North Wales.

So, Lorna went on to find the Access to Higher Education course at her local college, Llandrillo, Lorna continues:

“I loved the Access course at Llandrillo and my tutor, Holly, was so supportive and encouraging. I was 50 by this point and thought my age was probably a hindrance but Holly helped me to see that this was not the case at all.”

Lorna studied her Access course at Coleg Llandrillo, Rhos on Sea, tutored by Holly who nominated Lorna for the Agored Cymru Learner of the Year Award:

“Lorna was an excellent student on the access health care course. She became the course rep and provided both academic and emotional support to her peers when learners were forced to work online due to Covid-19.

Lorna would spend a large portion of her free time supporting these students and I believe that many have her to thank in helping them get through a very challenging year to complete the course.“

Lorna gained all graded units at distinction level and was also named the Coleg Llandrillo internal Access Learner of the Year.

Lorna was accepted onto the Adult Nursing course at Bangor University and says:

 “I started my degree in September 2021 and I’m so glad I did the Access course as it’s prepared me really well for academic life. Now I’m loving my degree course and my nursing placements and looking forward to a career in nursing at the end of the three years.” Says Lorna, mother of two.

Originally from Scotland, Lorna now lives in Glan Conwy, North Wales with her husband, two teenage girls and a menagerie of cats and dogs!

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Congratulations once again to Lorna Hughes for her hard work during her studies and for helping those around her in such challenging times. Agored Cymru recognises your drive and dedication and is thrilled to have been able to play a part in your journey into your desired career. We wish you the best of luck and success in your future.

Agored Cymru develops, approves and monitors Access to Higher Education Diplomas

We work with centres to offer a wide range of Access to HE Diplomas from Bioscience to Social Care.

Go here to see the full list of Agored Cymru Access to Higher Education Diplomas.

We are licensed Access Validating Agency and are regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).