Exam success for busy mum (From Barry And District News)

Exam success for busy mum

A BARRY mum has graduated with a masters degree after coping with the death of her father and the birth of her son in her final year of study.

After an extraordinary 12 months Paula Lloyd, of Pencoedtre Village, achieved her Masters in Manufacturing and Technology at the Open University while still working full time.

The dedicated 37-year-old discovered she was pregnant after submitting the first part of her coursework.

Later the same year she had to overcome the death of her father, John Maggs, who lost his battle with cancer seventeen days before her final deadline.

Speaking to the News, Paula said: "My father was ill with cancer towards the end of my course. He passed away on September 4 and my deadline was the September 21.

"But doing the course helped as I had something to occupy my mind during his illness."

Paula's mother, Jean Maggs, said she wished she could have taken her daughter's place during such turbulent times.

"I felt really sorry for her because she had lost her father.

She put some very long hours in and really worked hard. I wish I could have done it for her. I'm very proud of her."

Three months after the death of her dad, Paula gave birth to her son Morgan as well as finding out the results to her Masters degree.

"I came home with the baby and then I had my results.

I had a new son and a new qualification!"

Paula said she couldn't have achieved her well-deserved goal without the support of her family.

"My husband, Ray Williams, kept telling me to go on.

He was there for me one hundred percent.

"I have also had tremendous support from my employers at Cabot Carbon both personally and professionally.

I don't think I would have achieved it without them.