23 February 2024 , 12:11
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A 70-year-old grandad has graduated from the university with a Masters degree in history, despite losing most of his sight during his studies.
Paul Deal, who lives in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, was halfway through his course at the University of Bristol when he started having blurry vision while walking his dog. After seeking medical help, he was rushed to hospital at 2am for immediate surgery due to an eye infection. The operation left him with only about 20 per cent vision in his right eye and slightly more in his left.
He took a year off from his studies, frequently visiting Bristol Eye Hospital, and explored assistive technology to aid his reading. Despite suffering severe nosebleeds that required A&E visits and being unable to drive, Paul managed to get to campus by taking two trains and a bus." It was a traumatic time," said Paul, "After another operation the next day I was told I might not get my sight back. I thought 'what the hell am I going to do about my MA now?'" But Paul persevered, completing his 15,000-word dissertation and graduating in front of his wife Diana and daughter Rebecca.
Paul, who had been a journalist for 40 years before going to university, said: "I'd always loved the idea of going back to education," and his post about starting at the University got a whopping 44,000 likes on LinkedIn. Growing up in east London and Essex I never thought I’d go to university - never. None of my family had gone and I was just completely focused on becoming a journalist. It’s been a heck of a time and I’m very proud to be graduating.
"I’ve been looking forward to this day immensely. I wondered how I’d cope at university and it was hard at times. However, I learnt that, even at prestigious institutions like Bristol, you are made welcome by students and teachers, no matter if you are older. I also feel very positively towards the University for supporting me through the difficult times.
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Paul Deal (University of Bristol/SWNS)"I would love to think that someone who’s stopped working might see my story and consider becoming a student. I miss studying here and I made some good friends along the way.” Paul's journey into journalism began when he took a summer job as a messenger boy at the Basildon Evening Echo while studying for his A-levels.
After spotting a big story, the editor offered him a position as a trainee reporter, launching his successful career. He went on to edit newspapers including the Bath Evening Chronicle and the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph, and spent 15 years at the BBC. Paul later worked as a communications officer for Wiltshire Police before retiring.
After retiring, he signed up for a short history course at the University of Bristol. The course was designed to help older students work towards a full degree. Paul is especially interested in the English Civil Wars, Irish history and how Bristol was involved in the slave trade.
Dr Amy Edwards, who teaches Modern British History and is Paul's personal tutor, said: "Working with students like Paul, who are engaged and eager to learn, is a joy. He not only took on the usual challenges that a History MA poses, but also a number of others that none of us could have expected. Well done to you Paul, you deserve every bit of this success!"