Dr Shaikh Hamid, 70, never gave up on his dream of achieving a doctorate and despite his career taking him abroad and then suffering from ill health in later life, he was determined to finish what he had started.
Now he is celebrating with his family as he graduated this week from Teesside University with a PhD which encompasses a lifetime’s work and became a real labour of love.
Dr Hamid worked as a Biology Lecturer in Bangladesh before moving to London in 1976 to improve his subject knowledge and start a PhD in seed biology at Kings College. After five years, and with two young daughters, Dr Hamid decided to take a break from studying and moved to Nigeria, where he taught for 14 years.
With a lingering ambition to complete his doctorate, Dr Hamid made attempts to resume his PhD and shared contacts led him to Teesside University in 2005 where his studies resumed.
Dr Hamid suffered various health problems and split his time between studying at Teesside and being with his family in London – supporting himself financially with a range of part-time jobs.
He said: 'I was determined to complete what I had started. I always had a hidden desire and did not want to leave the work unfinished. I wanted to see it through. Giving up was not something I ever considered.
'Completing it was a real sense of relief – It is difficult to explain how I felt as it is something I have always wanted to do. I am so proud to be able to say I finally have a PhD.'
Dr Hamid’s PhD was in seed biology and his work has examined the storage of hazel nuts - how to preserve them and ensure they continue to produce seedlings. By storing the nuts at temperatures of minus 20 degrees, he has been able to keep them viable for over three years.
Dr Hamid was joined by his wife Shahida and his son, Mohiuddin to celebrate his graduation - his daughters Sabera and Sophia were unable to attend.
He said: 'My family and friends have been incredibly supportive and I wouldn’t have completed the PhD without them. They are extremely proud and it is a victory for them as much as me. It is difficult to put into words how proud I am to graduate with a PhD and it is really special to have my family alongside me to celebrate.
'The staff at Teesside University have also been tremendous – they were all incredibly friendly and helpful. I will never forget that I completed my PhD here and the support I received from my supervisor Dr Liam O’Hare has been fantastic.'
Commenting on Dr Hamid’s achievement, Dr O’Hare said: 'It is remarkable to see this level of dedication. Seeing Dr Hamid graduate is proof that if you set your mind on something and never give up, you can achieve anything you want.
'I am delighted that he has finally achieved his doctorate after all these years and happy that we have been able to support him in finishing something he started all those years ago.'