Breast cancer survivor Michelle Lomas fulfils lifelong ambition of graduating as a nurse
Intensive breast cancer treatment has not stopped a determined Blackpool mum from following her dreams of becoming a nurse.
Michelle Lomas was near the end of her University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) adult nursing degree apprenticeship when she received a diagnosis of grade 3 breast cancer.
The 52-year-old said: “I went through very aggressive treatment and I had to leave my studies and my base placement for 10 months.
“It was really tough and there were loads of times when most people would’ve thrown in the towel but that wasn’t me. I was absolutely determined to finish my course, graduate, and fulfil a lifelong dream of becoming a registered nurse.”
The mature student, who works for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was encouraged to continue her studies by her supportive husband Paul, team leader Karen Lawson and UCLan personal tutor Kim Slater.
They were all at the University’s Preston Campus yesterday, Tuesday, to see her don her cap and gown and take to the graduation stage.
"It was really tough and there were loads of times when most people would’ve thrown in the towel but that wasn’t me. "
— Cancer survivor Michelle Lomas
The mum-of-two grown up children commented: “I am super proud of my achievement. I feel very lucky to have had brilliant support who encouraged me and spurred me on to continue because they had faith in me to become a nurse, which I will be eternally grateful for.”
Michelle now works as a community staff nurse within the Garstang district.
She said: “I always wanted to be a nurse but like many women my age, I prioritised caring for older family members and raising my daughter, Kathryn, and son, Christopher. When they got a bit older, I decided it was time to think about what I could do to make my dream a reality.
“I’d been working in the health service since 1995 but it was only in 2009 when I took the opportunity to enrol on to a two-year foundation degree in health and social care at UCLan. This was worked-based learning, so I was fortunate enough to do it while being in a paid job.”
This qualification led to Michelle becoming an assistant practitioner within a community matron team. It also spurred her on to continue her educational journey.
"I feel very lucky to have had brilliant support who encouraged me and spurred me on to continue because they had faith in me to become a nurse"
— Adult nursing degree apprenticeship graduate Michelle Lomas
She said: “While working in this team I returned to UCLan in 2015 to gain a level six qualification in multi-professional support of learning and assessing in practice, this enabled me to support other trainee assistant practitioners and first year student nurses.”
In 2018, her health trust supported her to undertake a level six qualification in bladder and bowel health at Chester University and in 2019 she applied back to UCLan to complete a nine month course to top up her health and social care foundation degree to a full degree.
“The following year in 2020 I got the chance to apply for an apprenticeship to enable me to complete a nursing degree at UCLan,” said Michelle. “I jumped at the chance, it was an amazing opportunity and I’m so very grateful.
“The course helped me to grow in confidence and enabled me to learn more about leadership and development in my working area, how to contribute well to a team and bring new ideas to make small changes in practice ensuring they were evidence based. “
Michelle, who has not ruled out further study alongside her day job, added: “University is for everyone, no matter of their age or background. I have always found UCLan to have great study resources and the support from the tutors was fantastic. If anyone is thinking about going back to study as a mature student then go for it, you won’t regret it!”