A WORKING mother, who left school at 16 for a job in a cake shop, has become a prize-winner after going back to education. The achievements of Marina Sawdon from Thornaby highlight what can be achieved by going back to the classroom later in life.

Marina left school with five CSEs in 1982. Hungry for fresh challenges some 12 years later, she decided to pursue her growing interest in biomedical science. As a result of outstanding academic success, she is now a key member of the North Eastern Anaesthetics & Trauma Research Group.

Marina had to complete an Open University foundation course before she could enrol on an honours degree programme in Biomedical Sciences. Bridging the gap from CSEs to degree level required the study of various sciences, including biology, physics, chemistry and geology, all of which Marina passed with flying colours. But that was just the beginning.

As Marina's knowledge developed, so her capacity for learning increased at a rapid rate. When she graduated from the University of Durham in 1998, it was with a first class honours degree, acknowledged by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences with the award of their prize for outstanding achievement on graduation day.

Since graduating, Marina is well on the way to completing her PhD in cardiovascular physiology. With daughters Laura, 14, and Emma, 13, well into their secondary education, Marina is now employed by the NHS as a Research Fellow in the School of Anaesthesia at the James Cook University Hospital.

"I consider myself very, very lucky to be paid for something I love doing," says Marina. "During my degree I was studying medical microbiology, immunology, physiology and biochemistry. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know. Physiology in particular grabbed my attention and my interest in this field has become almost addictive! It's prepared me well for my current research."

Sharing her time between the Biological Sciences department in Durham, where much of her research is carried out, the Queen's Campus at Stockton and the James Cook University Hospital, Marina's role as a Research Fellow has really captured her imagination and ambition.

"We are looking at the body's response to injury and trauma, changes in heart pressure and how patterns emerge in blood flow. I couldn't have imagined this was possible when I embarked on my studies seven years ago, but it's great to be part of a research team whose findings may help to save lives in the future."

The University of Durham has highlighted Marina's success during the North East Learning Fortnight which is promoting lifelong learning for all. "Anybody can do what I did if they are determined enough. It has made a real difference to my life," says Marina.