A single mum who has battled breast cancer while studying for a degree has celebrated her graduation from the University of Central Lancashire*.
Laura Gavaghan, who graduated with a First in BA (Hons) Deaf Studies and British Sign Language, was determined to continue her studies while undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy.
The Prestonian was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of her first year. She had a mastectomy a month before starting her second year and endured chemotherapy in the months between Christmas until Easter.
She said: “Despite being absolutely floored by my diagnosis and the brutal treatment I still attended all my classes and continued to raise my six-year-old son Jack by myself.
“I lost my hair, my appetite, my energy and my confidence but the phrase I remember most, and that I passed on to the other patients on the chemo ward, was positive mental attitude. It was drummed into me by my brilliant lecturer Nicola Nunn and I knew I had to give it my all but the support I had from all the deaf studies staff was immense and I can’t thank them enough.
“I was also so lucky as my amazing mum helped me with childcare and was with me every step of the way during my appointments. She has been my rock and I couldn’t have done it without her.”
I lost my hair, my appetite, my energy and my confidence but the phrase I remember most, and that I passed on to the other patients on the chemo ward, was positive mental attitude– Deaf Studies and British Sign Language graduate Laura Gavaghan
It’s an even bigger achievement for Laura as the former Ashton Community Science College, Newman College and Preston College pupil left school with very few qualifications.
She commented: “I left school with barely any GCSEs, moved overseas at 19 and came back to the UK at 26. I started working in management but absolutely hated it. I had my son, who is my greatest achievement, and knew I needed to find a career that I would love.
“I applied for University when I was aged 31, was a single mother and it was just after Covid-19. I wanted to learn sign language and I never thought I could achieve what I have. It’s largely because of the support and encouragement of the staff, but also my own true grit which has enabled me to soar. I’ll be forever grateful for the experience.”
Laura is now working as a specialist teaching assistant in Deaf Support at her former high school and is planning to apply for the University’s MA Interpreting course.
She added: “I want to help empower Deaf children, provide my skills to Deaf education and help shape Deaf education for the future.”
*University of Central Lancashire is proudly changing to University of Lancashire