Health challenges inspire mother and daughter to gain first-class degrees

A mother and daughter who turned personal health challenges into a shared ambition to help others are graduating together with first-class honours in psychology from The Open University in Scotland.

After three years of studying side by side in Aberdeen, Anne age 50, and her daughter Rebecca age 25, are set to graduate together at a degree ceremony in Glasgow this month, with Bachelor of Science (Honours) degrees in Psychology and Counselling from The Open University in Scotland.  

The pair took different routes into higher education. Anne was studying nursing with another university when a long-term health condition that affects balance, hearing and mobility brought her studies to an unexpected end during her final year.  

Rebecca’s path into higher education was equally challenging. After missing her A-level exams at school because of surgery, she faced further disruption when the Covid-19 pandemic affected her second opportunity to secure qualifications.  

Through their own experiences, both Anne and Rebecca developed a strong interest in mental health and a desire to help others facing similar challenges. That shared passion led them to study psychology together through The Open University. It was also an affordable option, as they were eligible for their fees to be covered by a grant and top-up funding.    

“Having to leave my nursing studies because of my chronic illness was heartbreaking. Although I had always wanted to return to education, the barriers I faced often made that seem impossible."
Anne Woodthorpe, OU Graduate

Anne said: “Having to leave my nursing studies because of my chronic illness was heartbreaking. Although I had always wanted to return to education, the physical barriers I faced often made that seem impossible.  

“I’ve always been fascinated by psychology, so when Rebecca suggested we apply for the same course, it felt like the perfect opportunity. Not only could I return to studying but I could do it alongside my daughter.

“Living with a chronic illness means you have to adapt to constant uncertainty. The flexibility offered by The Open University and the support from my tutors allowed me to continue learning and achieving my goals, even when my health made things difficult.

“Studying for my OU degree has developed my communication and critical-thinking skills and given me more confidence in myself. It’s shown me that I’m capable of more than I thought. It’s also encouraged me to challenge myself and not keep putting off the things I want to achieve.”  

Studying with The Open University gave Anne and Rebecca the opportunity to learn alongside one another, sharing ideas, discussing different perspectives and supporting each other throughout their degrees.  

When she was a child, Rebecca would help her mum study for her nursing course. Years later the two supported each other throughout their Open University degrees, discussing arguments together, debating different viewpoints before writing essays and comparing perspectives.  

Now, they plan to continue their joint educational journey with The Open University, enrolling in a Forensic Psychology Master of Science course together.  

Anne and Rebecca’s story is a wonderful example of how flexible learning can open opportunities for people who've previously faced barriers to higher education."
Martin Boyle, OU in Scotland Principal

For Rebecca, who faced difficulties obtaining traditional qualifications during her school years, gaining access to higher education through The Open University has had a life-changing impact:    

“When I left school at 15, I never thought this would be possible. Health challenges meant my education didn’t follow the path I had expected, and for a long time I wasn’t sure what the future would look like.  

“Graduating with a first-class honours degree from The Open University feels like proof that those setbacks don’t have to define you. The course has given me confidence, opened doors I never thought would be available to me and inspired me to keep learning.  

“After my master’s degree, I hope to continue on to a PhD and eventually build a career helping people who are experiencing mental health challenges of their own.”  

With more than 16,450 students currently studying with The Open University in Scotland, its open-entry approach and flexible learning model help remove barriers to education. This enables people to study wherever they live and fit learning around work, family commitments and other personal circumstances.  

Martin Boyle, Principal of The Open University in Scotland, said: “Anne and Rebecca’s story is a wonderful example of how flexible learning can open up opportunities for people who may have previously faced barriers to higher education.  

“To see a mother and daughter graduate together with first-class honours is an incredible achievement and demonstrates the life-changing impact removing barriers to education can have on those living with physical or mental health challenges.”  

12 October 2026