TWO local women have recently been awarded degrees from the Open University.
Mrs Julie Lewis, who is 41 and lives at Chapel Close, Wyesham, gained a BA after seven years of studies. She embarked on her course while working as a housemistress at Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls and caring for her daughter Christine, who has special needs.
During her studies, Mrs Lewis developed breast cancer. "I'd actually passed the course for that year and sat the exam just after having chemotherapy," she said. Battling against cancer - she has now been given the all clear - spurred her on to complete her degree and also persuaded her to transfer to an administrative role as a resources secretary at the school.
Mrs Lewis is now considering another career change - she hopes to become a primary school teacher.
Mrs Tracey Mapp, who has gained a BSc (Hons), sat one end of year exam two weeks after giving birth to her son, Thomas, who is now 18 months. Thomas's early arrival - he was due one day after the exam- meant that Mrs Mapp spent a hectic two weeks dividing her time between caring for her new baby and revising for her exam.
Mrs Mapp, who is 34 and lives at Pentwyn Park, Penallt, began her studies six years ago while working as a bank clerk at the Monmouth branch of HSBC.