Nichola's Graduation Joy!

Crosby mother Nichola Judge has fought through adversity to achieve a well-deserved higher education qualification.

Nichola, 35, has graduated with a Diploma in Midwifery from Edge Hill despite having extensive treatment for Cancer of the tongue throughout her course.

Following the birth of her third child, Nichola decided to train to become a midwife however after being diagnosed with Cancer in November 2000 her studies stalled.

"I had to defer starting my course on a number of occasions due to having more and more treatment," said Nichola. "I had to have a couple of major operations involving the removal of my radial vein and artery from my arm and a flap of skin to reconstruct my tongue, radiotherapy and hyperbaric treatment. I also suffered three carotid artery blowouts and spent time in and Intensive Therapy Unit with a tracheotomy.

"I then learnt that Edge Hill couldn?t hold my place for much longer so my consultant David Vaughan suggested that, if I felt up to it, I go ahead and start the course as we could fit in any further surgery around my studies."

On this advice, Nichola began her course ? which was delivered at Aintree University Hospital ? in September 2002, however it wasn?t long before she had to undergo yet more surgery.

"I had to keep going back in for injections during my time off and I also needed to have liposuction on my thigh with the fat used to fill out the scarring on my face. Thankfully, I managed to continue studying for my Diploma."

During such difficult times it was important for Nichola to have the support of staff and fellow students at Edge Hill ? and that was certainly forthcoming?from mother Maria!

"I was actually treated on the MFU ward in Aintree Hospital where my mum is ward manager! She was also doing a course at Edge Hill ? a BSc in Health and Social Care Practice ? and we even graduated on the same day. It was really special to be able to celebrate completing my course alongside her as she has been there for me every step of the way.

"I?m really proud of myself for getting my qualification ? it was hard work at times, more than I expected it would be in fact, however it was all worth it in the end."

Indeed, Nichola has already secured a post as a midwife at Liverpool Women?s Hospital.