Sophie Shuttleworth graduated with a first-class degree in mental health nursing from the University of Lancashire.
The 30-year-old from Lostock Hall was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and suffered the loss of her best friend as well as her father being on life support due to a stroke during her time at university.
She said: “It was incredibly difficult, My attention was constantly split between wanting to focus on my studies and needing to be there for my dad and my family.
“On my 29th birthday, I was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS),
“It wasn’t quite the birthday surprise I had been hoping for.”
Her father’s stroke came at the start of her studies, but the diagnosis of her condition during her second year was only two months before the tragic loss of her friend.
She said: “There are people in life who become family without actually being family, and she was one of those people. Losing her completely broke me.”
Whilst dealing with these awful events, Sophie was also raising her two sons along the way as well as supporting her late friend’s daughter.
She said: “There were many nights where I would wait until everyone else was asleep before allowing myself to cry,
“But I kept going. Not because I felt strong every day, but because I refused to let the hardest chapter of my life become the final one.”
After overcoming all these challenges, Sophie has started working as a Registered Mental Health Nurse on an acute female inpatient ward at The Harbour in Blackpool.
She says that the tragedies she has gone through has helped her to become a better nurse and have more understanding of the mental health issues people deal with.
“Living with a long-term condition has given me a different level of understanding,
“It’s made me even more committed to practising with empathy, patience and honesty.
“I chose mental health nursing because I’ve always been drawn to helping people, especially those who are going through the hardest times in their lives.
“For me, it’s never just been about having a job, it’s about having a career where I can genuinely make a difference.
“I’ve seen how much someone’s mental health can affect every part of their life, and I wanted to be the kind of nurse who helps people feel heard, understood, and supported when they need it most.
“Building therapeutic relationships and being someone a patient can trust is one of the most rewarding parts of the role for me.”
With all the hardships and struggles between academic and family life, the confirmation of a First-Class Honours degree means a lot more than just a qualification for Sophie.
She said: “I didn’t just see a classification. I saw every hospital appointment, every assignment written through tears, and every moment I wanted to give up but didn’t.
“Graduation feels like the finale of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance.
“There were definitely challenges and tears along the way, but reaching this point makes it all worthwhile.
“I think putting on my cap and gown will be the moment it finally feels real and when I can truly say, ‘I did it.’”
Sophie hopes that her story can inspire others who are dealing with their own challenges.
“You don’t have to have everything figured out, and you don’t have to feel strong all the time,
“Sometimes, you just have to take the next step.”
