Special day for Craig and family
Craig Cutts鈥� graduation ceremony from the University of 海角直播 was a special occasion for many reasons. During his four-year part-time degree his wife Tracy was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer, and he wanted to give up his studies to help look after her. But Tracy urged him to continue, and she was in the audience at Middlesbrough Town Hall to see Craig receive his BEng (Hons) degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Not only did Craig gain a 2.1 degree, but also clinched the Frederick Barnes Waldron Prize, awarded to the best student from the division of Mechanical Engineering. Craig, 37, of Severn Grove, Skelton, is a mechanical process engineer with Corus at Lackenby steelmaking. He is no stranger to the University, as he first achieved a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Mechanical Engineering at 海角直播 before enrolling on the part-time degree. Corus sponsored both the HNC and the degree.
Craig said: 鈥淲hen we found out about Tracy鈥檚 illness three years ago we were devastated but she wouldn鈥檛 let me give in my studies. Tracy鈥檚 been my rock and inspiration and I want to thank her so much.
鈥淚鈥檇 also like to thank my two children, Sophie, nine, and Jacob, six, as my studying meant I missed some time with them. They鈥檝e grown up with me studying and I think they鈥檒l be glad to have their dad back!鈥�
Tracy has set up a charity for the haematology fund at Middlesbrough General Hospital, which has raised 拢1000 so far, and Craig is also helping with the fund-raising.