Class of 2025: Niamh Eve

For dyslexic student Niamh Eve, completing an MSc Advanced Clinical Practice Apprenticeship could have been a major challenge. Thanks to inspirational teachers in her early education and beyond, and support from her lecturers, she’s not only graduating but she did it all while working full time with a young family.

Niamh was already working as an advanced nurse practitioner when she chose to pursue the apprenticeship after completing a BSc Palliative Care Nursing at Anglia Ruskin University.

She has worked at St Helena Hospice for 12 years, holding various positions including Matron, so it was the natural place to undertake the practical elements of her apprenticeship.

The mum of two, whose second son was born just days after she completed a medical prescribing project a year into her apprenticeship, is proud her sons have grown up seeing her commitment to studying. But juggling a family, work and study wasn’t her only challenge.

Despite facing reading, comprehension, spelling and memory challenges associated with dyslexia, Niamh knew from an early age, it wouldn’t hold her back. Thanks to a tutor in primary school who had a dyslexic daughter, she was taught that she could achieve anything she put her mind to.

“As with many things in life, when you have a 'label' it is easy to put restrictions on someone's potential ability. I remember witnessing a conversation between a teacher and my mother when I was in primary school, in which my mother was told my dyslexia is so severe I was unlikely to achieve GCSEs.

“My advice to anyone would be to not put limitations on your own ability and be brave in challenging anyone who tries to define you to a label.”

Niamh, who was also diagnosed with dyspraxia whilst studying for her undergraduate degree, credits Essex lecturers and good course structure for helping her successfully complete her apprenticeship.

“I had inspirational lecturers who have helped me grow academically and achieve a level of learning that I didn't think I was capable of. I have felt very supported by the team as a whole.

“I think the course is of an excellent standard with the lecturers truly understanding all the nuances of completing an apprenticeship. The pastoral support I have received over the six years has enabled me to continue the course and given me breaks when I needed them.

“Facing my learning difficulties allowed me access the support I needed.”

Niamh, from Clacton, is now working as a Macmillan Palliative Care Lead for Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust.