University of Cumbria paramedic student wins ‘Against All Odds’ award

Recently, Nikolla was named winner of the ‘Against All Odds’ category of Cumbria’s Golden Apple Awards.

Nikolla started her BSc (Hons) Practice Development: Developing Paramedic Practice programme with University of Cumbria in 2018 whilst she was also practising as a paramedic.

It was her first venture into academia, as a mature student who had an established career on the frontline.

During the first module of her course, Nikolla underwent routine surgery but suffered complications that left her in intensive care.

She also had a stroke in February 2019 and developed other serious health conditions during her studies. Despite this, Nikolla has gone on to successfully complete her modules and gain her academic award, receiving appropriate support and guidance throughout.

University of Cumbria paramedic lecturers Susan Rhind and Sharron Seddon stepped up on stage to receive the award on Nikolla’s behalf, in front of more than 200 guests at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal. Nikolla gave thanks via a recorded video. 

Nikolla, from Birmingham, said:

“I took on a degree in 2018 and from the beginning my health was a problem when a minor operation lead me to intensive care. In 2021 I was then put into a coma for my own benefit having contracted Covid-19. 

"I was close to completing my degree. Susie Rhind got in touch and we had to make some difficult decisions - given the circumstances, I decided to give up the course.

"After a few days, both Susie and Sharon contacted me with a way forward to enable me to complete my degree. It was an emotional moment when my degree came through the post - I make sure I look at the certificate every day and will do something with it in the future. 

"Two little words mean a lot to me and I hope they do to Susie and Sharron. Thank you". 

University Pro Vice Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) Dr Jonathan Eaton (pictured right) said:

“Congratulations to Nikolla and all of the winners of this year’s Golden Apple Awards. Last night was a fantastic and moving celebration of education, training and skills happening in and for Cumbria.

“As Cumbria’s university, we’re delighted to celebrate the contributions and impact of so many across our region and beyond, and recognise the transformative power of education. The Golden Apple Awards illustrate how privileged we who work within education, training and skills are. We are proud to help honour the difference that educators make in so many lives.”

The Golden Apple Awards are organised each year by Newsquest Cumbria with long-standing support from county organisations including University of Cumbria as associate sponsor.

Delivering its Towards 2030 strategy, University of Cumbria is driven by a clear mission to inspire and equip graduates, enabling communities, economy and environment to thrive - now and for future generations.

University of Cumbria staff in attendance at the 2024 Golden Apple Awards

It is increasing participation in higher education and is working with partners and employers to address higher-level skills needs locally, regionally and nationally.

Examples of this includes the University of Cumbria supporting aims of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.

Its Institute of Health provides undergraduate and continuing professional development programmes for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals while the Institute of Education, Arts and Society trains and develops the future workforce of teachers in the future. 

Shortlisted in the Times Higher Education Awards 2024, the University of Cumbria will learn next month if it has won the Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year category for its successful paramedic degree apprenticeship programme. The apprenticeship is currently delivered in seven of England’s ambulance trusts, upskilling employees to become qualified paramedics.

And, through its unique partnership with Imperial College London, University of Cumbria is creating the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine – a graduate-entry medical school. Training future medical professionals for the county, its first intake will start in August 2025.

ENDS