Mum battles back to celebrate degree success

A mother-of-three who was made homeless after a house fire is one of more than 30 Wirral students who are celebrating their degree success with Edge Hill University.

Samantha McCardle, of Rock Ferry, was half way through a Foundation Degree course when her home was devastated by fire. She and her family, including her three sons, aged 7, 13 and 14, were left with only the clothes they were wearing when the blaze ripped through the house in July 2008.

But despite the traumatic experience, Samantha went on to complete her degree in Supporting Teaching and Learning, and was rewarded for her efforts at a ceremony with her Wirral-based contemporaries. The students are all studying at one of Edge Hill University's Outreach Venues at the Professional Excellence Centre in Acre Lane, Bromborough. The successful degree students will enjoy further celebrations at their formal graduation ceremony in July 2010.

Samantha said: "Even before the fire, it wasn't very easy juggling my family, my work and my studies. You feel guilty, thinking that you should be doing more University work or that you should be spending more time with the children, but I am really pleased with my achievement. I can't wait to wear that cap and gown at my graduation in July!

"The fire happened at the end of my first year. Luckily we were all out when it started. As far as we know, it was caused by a computer printer, but the house was so badly damaged they can't say exactly. We lost everything. All my University work was destroyed and I told the University I wouldn't be able to complete my course, but they said they would lend me a laptop and persuaded me to stay on. They were incredibly supportive, as were all our friends and family. Even parents at the school where I work, who I had never met before, were asking if there was anything they could do to help. Everybody really pulled together for us - people were amazing."

Samantha, who works as a teaching assistant at St John's Catholic Infant School in Bebington, Wirral, is now taking time out to concentrate on her family and work, but hopes to continue her studies and achieve Qualified Teacher Status.

"My work colleagues were really helpful," added Samantha. "They gave me lots of advice and helped by reading my essays and letting me take their classes. Now, all the hard work has been worthwhile!"

Alison Fisk, Edge Hill University's Administrator and Student and Learning Services Coordinator (Wirral), said: "We were delighted to host this celebration event for those who completed their Foundation Degree or Early Years Professional Status. The students are Wirral residents and work in Wirral schools or Early Years facilities, and have managed to study whilst working and raising families."