Nursing students celebrate after delaying graduation for bereaved friend

The following story contains references to sensitive matters which some people may find triggering, around death and dying.

Two university friends who delayed their graduation for a year to support a grieving mother have finally celebrated their qualifications together, after she put her studies on hold following the death of her 20-year-old son.  

Jill Wardrop, from West Kilbride in North Ayrshire, joined her friends from The Open University (OU) in Scotland at a graduation ceremony in Glasgow on 22nd October which marked the end of a difficult journey that saw her return to studying after the loss of her son James in January 2025.  

The three friends had been studying for the OU Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Learning Disability Nursing together when James’s death left Jill unable to continue her course. Rachael and Dom had already completed their qualifications and begun working as nurses but chose to wait until Jill finished her degree so they could celebrate together.  

Jill and Rachael had worked together for a couple of years before starting their studies, and their friendship grew even stronger through their nursing degree, much of it built through online calls and messages. 

For Jill, who first set her sights on becoming a nurse more than two decades ago, the occasion was particularly significant. She began her original nursing training with another educational institution in 2000 but was forced to leave because of financial pressures. Despite continuing to work in learning disability services, she never gave up hope of returning to the profession.  

In October 2021 Jill began the four-year OU learning disability nursing degree which allowed her to gain her qualification while continuing to work full time, as the programme enables people already working in healthcare settings to become nurses. However, in the final stages of her studies James became unwell at the beginning of 2025 and passed away. Devastated by his death, Jill struggled to imagine completing her qualification and took a break from university to grieve.

Jill's determination to complete her degree following the loss of James is remarkable and we are extremely proud of what she has achieved. "
Martin Boyle, OU in Scotland Principal

Jill said: “James was my whole world and losing him changed everything. There were times when I really didn't know if I could go back to studying, even though becoming a nurse was something I had wanted for so long.”  

While Jill took time away from her studies, her friends continued to check in by sending messages and making sure she remained included in their conversations. Despite having built much of their friendship remotely, their support extended well beyond their university work.  

Jill said: “They would send me a wee message just to ask how I was or let me know they were thinking about me. There was never any pressure to join calls, but I always knew they were there.  

“They let me talk about James and they listened. Sometimes that was all I needed. I'll always be grateful to them for that.”  

The university also helped Jill arrange a break from her course, with staff managing the necessary arrangements and reassuring her she could return when she felt ready.  

Jill said: “When Jill and Dom told me they wanted to wait for me, I couldn’t believe it. The fact that people could show me that much kindness, especially when Dom and I hadn’t met in person, just blew me away.”  

For Dom, the most lasting part of his time with The Open University has been the bond he formed with his tutor Dawn and the rest of his group. Although they lived in different parts of Scotland, with Dawn in the Western Isles, Dom in Glasgow and Rachael and Jill in North Ayrshire, meeting remotely brought them closer together.

Dom said: “I greatly admire Jill and Rachael for their strength, resilience and kindness, and Dawn was far more than a tutor. The qualification is something I will always value, but the friendships and memories are what I will cherish most.”  

James had registered as an organ donor and his wishes were honoured following his death. His memory also gave Jill the motivation to return to her studies after she witnessed the compassion shown by the nurses who cared for him and his family during his final days.  

Jill said: “I always wanted James to see his mum become a nurse. When I was struggling with assignments, I would sit with his photograph beside me. I hope he's proud.  

“The nurses who looked after James and our family showed us such compassion. If I can give even a little of that back to another family, that would mean everything.”  

Martin Boyle, Principal of The Open University in Scotland, said: “Jill's determination to complete her degree following the loss of James is remarkable and we are extremely proud of what she has achieved.  

“Rachael and Dom's decision to wait a year so they could graduate alongside her is an act of kindness that speaks volumes about the friendships formed through education.  

“Although they studied remotely, their support for one another went far beyond their coursework. To see them celebrate their achievements together after everything Jill has been through is incredibly moving.”  

Having now completed her degree, Jill is registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and continues to work in learning disability support while looking for a registered nursing position.  

The graduation marked the completion of her long-held ambition to qualify as a nurse, alongside the friends who stood by her when she needed them most.  

Rachael said: “Jill and I had known each other through work, but our friendship grew stronger during our nursing degree. Alongside Dom and our tutor Dawn, we shared countless FaceTime calls where we laughed, cried and supported each other through difficult times.  

“When Jill lost her son James, we were there for her in whatever way we could. I even went to the hospital to support her and say goodbye to James, which meant so much to us both.  

“I’m incredibly proud to have graduated with First Class Honours in Learning Disability Nursing, but I’ll always as grateful for the friendships we formed along the way.”

27 October 2026