20 June 2012

Craig overcomes serious illness to graduate

When Craig Anderson was left bedbound for two years by serious illness it put a halt to his academic studies. Now, several years later than originally anticipated, he has graduated after completing his degree at the University of Dundee.

Craig (24), from Burton-Upon-Trent, first fell ill with M.E. in June 2007 when he was just finishing the second year of his degree at the University of Gloucestershire. By February 2008 he was seriously ill, and spent the next two years completely bedbound.

"It was not until May 2010 that I was able to be on the move again," said Craig. "My life was completely dominated by illness for those years."

By January 2011 he was starting to think about resuming his academic studies but was not able to return to his previous university due to a change in the course. He applied to come to Dundee and finish off his degree in Environmental Sustainability and was accepted into the final year.

"Dundee were extremely good in allowing me to matriculate early so I could get used to being back in a university environment," said Craig. "I also had friends here so I was able to sort out things like accommodation. It has all worked really well for me, and I'm just happy to have been able to finish my degree.

"The last couple of years have been about managing my illness and getting my life back. I do still get some pain on a daily basis, but it is manageable and hasn't stopped me coming to university.

"I think it shows there is always hope and that you can overcome something like this and succeed."

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
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University of Dundee
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