Mother of three Marina Bushby is well on the way to a new career as a nurse by studying part-time at the University of Teesside.

Marina, 48, from Marske, was inspired to train as a nurse after spending many years caring for her eldest child, Dean, 21, who has cystic fibrosis.

Believing that nursing could only be studied full-time, she was surprised to learn that the university offered a part-time BSc (Hons) Nursing course.

Marina said: "After spending so long looking after Dean and dealing with a lot of nurses and doctors, I wanted to give something back and help people they way that I have been helped.

"It was very daunting to come back into education after being away from it for over 30 years, but I did an Access to Nursing course at Redcar & Cleveland College, which prepared me really well.

"I had never thought you could learn nursing as a part-time course, and to be honest, if there wasn't a part-time option my personal circumstances would not have allowed me to be able to do it.

"It's a wonderful course and as well as the class-based work, I've had the chance to gain practical experience in various placements which I have really enjoyed.

"I'm still a couple of years away from completing the course, but when I do qualify, I will be able to give 15 years service and I think that's worth the effort in re-training now."

To find out more about the part-time BSc (Hons) Nursing degree, call (01642) 384176.