We did a feature on a mature couple from Penygroes who graduated together this year.

Mandy studied at Ammanford campus and Andy at Graig

TWO mature students have graduated with degrees, more than 30 years after they left education.

The husband and wife due, from Penygroes, took the plunge to return to education and have just graduated from Coleg Sir Gâr.

Mandy Cheley decided to go back to college to study social care at 47 when she was running her own cleaning company.

Her last educational experience was at 16 and she has struggled with severe dyslexia most of her life.

Mandy never considered herself degree material but three years later, she is graduating with a social care studies degree.

Mandy's husband, Andy Cheley was going through a significantly challenging time at work, but his keen passion for sport pushed him to look into studying a sports coaching and performance degree.

Reflecting on their time at college, Andy Cheley, who has achieved a first class honours degree, said: “My lecturer was absolutely first class; he helped and supported me and instilled a good working attitude within students.”

Lee Tregoning, sports lecturer at Coleg Sir Gâr added: “Andy’s dissertation was superb and has the possibility of being published.

“He’s been tremendous and an asset to the group with a great drive to retrain.”

Mandy Cheley said: “It’s been the happiest three years of my life, and I’d like to thank all the staff who have been immense in getting me through and giving me the confidence and skills I didn’t have before.”

Karen James, programme director for the foundation degree in social care studies at Coleg Sir Gâr said: “Mandy is one of many success stories of students returning to education to study social care. She is a true inspiration to anyone considering pursuing a degree later in life and we hope others will be encouraged to follow in her footsteps.”

51-year-old Andy was the main earner before they started studying so the couple knew their career changes would not be possible without financial help.

When they were authorised for financial help from Student Finance Wales, the start of their new chapter began.