Andrew’s eight-year climb on the ladder to academic success

Andrew Lane’s graduation from the University of Teesside with a Master of Science (MSc) in Advanced Manufacturing Systems degree will be a truly special occasion, as he battled to overcome serious illness twice during his studies. Not only did he suffer a heart attack; he later contracted mengiococcal meningitis and was rushed into intensive care. Following his recovery from meningitis, he was then diagnosed as dyslexic.

Father-of-three Andrew, 36, from Middlesbrough originally enrolled on an Higher National Diploma (HND) in Welding and Fabrication.

Andrew said: “It was really difficult. I had no problems with assignments, but with exams couldn’t remember the work.”

He progressed onto a BSc in Advanced Manufacturing Systems with Business but then suffered a heart attack. After he recovered course tutor Dr Farhad Nabhani suggested Andrew transfer to the one-year assignment-based MSc. While Andrew was out later at a car auction, he developed a severe headache, one of the early signs of meningitis.

Andrew said: “The headache kept snowballing, my neck ached, I felt confused and couldn’t stand the light. My wife Angela is a nurse and said I had to go to hospital immediately.”

Angela said: “I was terrified. The Doctor said Andrew would have had an hour to live if I hadn’t spotted it.”

Andrew took a year off from the MSc. Upon his return, he sought advice from the University’s Student Support Unit and undertook assessment tests set by the Dyslexia Society, which revealed his dyslexia.

He added: “It’s been an eight-year climb and so many people at the university have been fantastic. Above all, I couldn’t have achieved this without Angela; she’s been a tower of strength. We’re going to have a big celebration when I graduate.”

Wednesday 28 November 10.15am

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