A HOOK woman has overcome family tragedy to graduate with a masters degree.

Andrea Middleton, originally from South Africa but now a 10-year resident of Hook, graduated with a masters in education from Edge Hill University on December 1.

In the summer of 2016, Andrea heard some life-changing news about her brother.

Andrea said: “As I was about to begin the field research part of my final module, I had news of the sudden and tragic death of my youngest brother, who was still living in South Africa.

“He was killed whilst securing the safety of a friend experiencing a violent attack.

“I immediately travelled back to South Africa to support my family, abandoning my studies, and over the course of the next two years, the criminal trial began, and the process is still ongoing.

“I’ve travelled back many times to attend court proceedings, interrupting my daily work at school and impacting my young family.”

However, Andrea did not let this get in the way of her studying.

She added: “The MA team at Edge Hill have been understanding and supportive from the very beginning, allowing me additional time to complete assignments and to submit my final thesis.

“Two members of the faculty, Dr Linda Dunne and Christine Lewis, have been outstandingly supportive and I am immensely grateful to them for their encouragement and their belief in me.

“That support, along with that of my wonderful husband, Gary, and my daughters has helped me through.”

When Andrea moved to the UK, she worked as a special needs and learning support assistant in a local junior school and started a Nurture Group to cater for a number of vulnerable pupils.

Her work will be published in an academic journal next year.