Covid issues can’t stop sporty mum from following in late mother’s footsteps

9 September 2021

Charlotte Broadhurst one step closer to becoming qualified physical education teacher after UCLan graduation

A single mum-of-two, who had to juggle her own degree studies with home schooling, has followed in her beloved late mother’s footsteps by pursuing a career in sport and physical education.

Charlotte Broadhurst, mum to six-year-old Lilly and three-year-old Jacob, had to prioritise her daughter’s home schooling and son’s caring commitments after Covid-19 forced the closure of all schools and nurseries.

The 25-year-old was determined to complete her University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) degree studies, often by catching-up with her online lectures when her children went to bed. On top of that, the pandemic hit her household’s finances hard, as both of her part-time jobs in the sports industry stopped immediately.

Charlotte, from Bury, said: “Starting University with a five-month-old and a three-year-old may not have been the easiest start and it only got harder when Covid-19 affected so many parts of my life but it’s definitely been the most rewarding journey educationally and personally.

"Knowing that I can explain how I did to my children when they’re older hopefully will show them that if you put your mind to something it’s never impossible, it just might be harder than you thought."

Charlotte Broadhurst

“Knowing that I can explain how I did to my children when they’re older hopefully will show them that if you put your mind to something it’s never impossible, it just might be harder than you thought.

“I walked away from high school with only four GCSEs and no plans or confidence to ever go to university. I’m now very proud I’ve got a BA (Hons) Sport and Physical Education and I’m glad I’ve finally got to the finish line.”

Charlotte, who worked as a rugby coach and a football stadium steward before the pandemic, revealed her mum was an inspiration behind her career choice.

“Sport and PE had always been something I’ve wanted to do, in addition to teaching, due to my mother being a PE teacher and the Head of Girls’ PE for a number of years,” said Charlotte.

“She has always been my hero and an inspiration and after she passed away, it made me want to actually achieve it rather than having it as a pipe dream. I always wanted to be just like her and do what she did and that impacted my career choice massively.

"Knowing that my mum would be bursting with pride for me even getting a degree, let alone the circumstances I’ve completed it, just makes me even prouder of my achievement"

New sport and physical education graduate Charlotte Broadhurst

“Knowing that my mum would be bursting with pride for me even getting a degree, let alone the circumstances I’ve completed it, just makes me even prouder of my achievement.”

Reflecting on her time studying at UCLan, she added: “Over my three years at UCLan I’ve had the privilege to work with specialists and coaches in many different sports. Some were sports I had absolutely no background in, but it gave me the knowledge and experience to be confident in teaching these different sports. I also gained invaluable knowledge and experience of working with different schools on placements.”

Charlotte, who donned her cap and gown and took to the stage of UCLan’s Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre to graduate this week, is now set to complete her PGCE in the aim to becoming a PE teacher.

Written by Daniel Woffenden