Young mother suffering paralysis among Queen's graduates

The week-long summer graduation ceremonies begin this morning at Queen’s and will see hundreds of students receive their degrees after years of hard work.

Among today’s degree recipients is Emma Carson from Ballyclare who managed to complete her degree in Maths while raising her five-year-old daughter Amy, as well as suffering from paralysis and problems with her vision and speech.

She said: “Queen’s University and my lecturers couldn’t have done more to help and support me through this difficult stage of my life. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have been able to come this far.

“It’s like one big family who all understand each other and want to help each other succeed.”

The future is bright for the graduating Ballyclare student. She is currently juggling job applications with wedding planning and house hunting, as she prepares to get married next year.

In the future she hopes to undertake a PGCE and go into teaching.

Meanwhile, the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Sir Malcolm McKibbin, will receive an honorary degree today.

Before receiving his degree for Distinction in Public Service, Sir Malcolm said: “I am delighted to receive this honour from such a highly respected and world renowned institution such as Queen’s University.

“Queen’s is central to the future development of our economy and society here in Northern Ireland, producing global citizens in their students. I am privileged to be graduating along with these students today.”

Irish-American philanthropist Loretta Brennan Glucksman CBE, was another set to receive an honorary degree today.