Cold spell puts Chester student’s degree on ice

Jan 6 2011 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

THE freezing weather sweeping Britain put a city student’s graduation on ice.

Victoria Wilcox, a specialist occupational therapist on Cedar ward in Bowmere Hospital, gained a 2:1 BSc (Hons) degree in dementia studies from Bradford University in July of this year.

The hospital is part of the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS foundation trust.

After travelling to the Yorkshire city and getting gowned and photographed, Victoria went, with many others, to register. But just 15 minutes later the day took an unexpected turn.

“We were told it had been cancelled due to bad weather and the university was to close at 4pm for the next two days,” said Victoria of Upton, Chester.

“It took two hours to travel the short distance from the university back to the motorway as the snow was falling and there was little evidence of the roads being gritted”

Happily, Victoria arrived safely home in Chester with her graduation now scheduled for July 2011.

“I am still studying with Bradford doing an MSc in dementia studies so hopefully there will be further graduation ceremonies to look forward to.

“In July I am hoping that the sun will be shining!” she added.