A MUSSELBURGH mum overcame severe health challenges and a high-risk pregnancy to graduate with a first-class honours degree from The Open University (OU) in Scotland.

Jade Ormiston, 34, achieved her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in psychology with counselling degree – finishing her final assignment from a hospital bed.

She is now continuing her studies at Musselburgh-based Queen Margaret University and hopes to support people through mental health challenges in the future.

After severe health challenges derailed her initial university plans, Jade feared her dream of earning a degree might never happen.

But finding the OU offered her the flexibility she needed to balance studies alongside motherhood, work and managing her health.

At the age of 18, Jade’s plans were cut short by major surgery complications, including cardiac arrest, making it impossible to attend a traditional university.

Jade said: “Eventually, I moved into work and found I loved my role in mental health services.

“But my curiosity kept growing and I wanted to understand the psychology behind what I was doing.”

Doubting she would fit the “typical” student profile, Jade hesitated until realising: “You may as well be achieving something as you get older.”

OU’s flexibility allowed her to juggle her studies with health needs and, later, a high-risk pregnancy.

Her son Quillan was born with serious health issues and the strength Jade found in her studies became a “vital support”.

Jade Ormiston celebrates her degree success with son Quillan. Photo: Kathryn Tuckerman

She said: “Despite everything, my studies became a source of comfort.”

She added: “The support I received from the OU and my family made it all possible.”

Now pursuing a Master’s in research at Queen Margaret University, she hopes to make a difference in mental health.

Jade, who now studies psychological recovery after sepsis, said: “The OU’s careers service helped me realise I want to use my experience to help others.”

Jade joined other graduates recently as the OU in Scotland marked a historic milestone, celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first ever degree ceremony in Scotland, held in Edinburgh in 1974.

READ MORE: Grandmother celebrates graduating from university at age 84

This year’s ceremony saw 660 graduates cross the stage at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Susan Stewart, director of OU in Scotland, said: “It’s a momentous occasion for the OU in Scotland, celebrating 50 years of changing lives through education.

“Our graduates demonstrate incredible resilience and determination, balancing studies with work, family and other commitments.

“We are immensely proud of their achievements and delighted to celebrate alongside them.”