A single mother determined to give her son a better future has graduated with a law degree despite living with two chronic medical conditions.
Tara Brown, a student at University of Wolverhampton, said she never considered giving up on her dream while suffering from the debilitating symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis and Fibromyalgia.
The 29-year-old said she was the first person in her family to go to university and that it was the support from her tutors and family that helped her pass her LLP (Hons) Law course.
“There were days I couldn’t get out of bed, times I lost my sight and even a cancer scare during my final exams but I never gave up,” she said.
“My mum has been my biggest cheerleader and I owe so much to her love and strength.”
According to the NHS, Ankylosing Spondylitis is a long-term condition in which the spine and other areas of the body become inflamed, causing back pain, stiffness, swelling and extreme fatigue.
Fibromyalgia also causes pain all over the body, with increased pain sensitivity, stiffness, fatigue, headaches and problem with mental processes among the symptoms.
Ms Brown said she wanted to continue her studies by pursuing a master’s degree, with the aim of qualifying as a solicitor in mental health law.
“I want to sit in an office with my son’s photo on the desk and know that I made it, not just for me but for him,” she added.
“To anyone facing challenges – don’t let anything stop you.”