A cancer survivor who has campaigned for a reduction in age for cervical screening has achieved her lifelong ambition of a career in nursing.

Lisa Tomlinson-Cowie, from Stockton, went back to education as a mature student with the hope of qualifying to become a nurse.

The 46-year-old has now graduated from Teesside University after completing the FdSc Nursing Associate programme in the School of Health and Life Sciences and sitting her exams in the height of the pandemic.

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Lisa, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer when she was 31, said: “It’s been a long time coming, so it was great to finally get there in the end. It was such a wonderful feeling. Even though it was a little bit later because of the pandemic, it was still just as special.

“Seeing everybody in their robes and just generally having a good time after working so hard was amazing because that’s what it’s all about. There was a fantastic vibe, and we couldn’t have asked for any better weather.

“It was fabulous to finally get to throw that hat in the air too – that’s all I wanted to do.”

Lisa now works as nursing associate at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust in the outpatient department, specialising in dermatology.

And graduation is not all Lisa has celebrated this year. After four cancelled weddings and honeymoons due to the pandemic, she finally made it down the aisle.

As well as juggling her studies, work placements  and being a mum, she has raised thousands of pounds for charity and raises awareness as a cancer survivor.

Since her cervical cancer diagnosis in 2007, when she was just 31, Lisa has lobbied for a reduction in the age that women can access cervical screenings. She overcame cervical cancer, as well as cancer in her appendix in 2015 which resulted in surgery.

In recognition of her charitable work and inspirational journey, Lisa received the Teesside Hero Award from Teesside Philanthropic Foundation during her studies.

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Lisa said: “The course played a massive part in getting me to where I am today because I’m an older student and, in reality, I wouldn’t have been able to afford to come to university if I hadn’t have done it through the apprenticeship with the support from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust.

“You learn on the job so, rather than being brand new to an unfamiliar place, you’ve got the skills and the background behind you, which is definitely an advantage.

“A lot of older students are doing the FdSc Nursing Associate apprenticeship now and it’s fab to see because it’s always nice to have a diverse range of ages in the academic world. I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking to progress further within healthcare.”

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