A runner forced to give up the sport after a serious leg injury is celebrating success of a different kind.
Gillian Hepplewhite, 54, from South Shields, has graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in sociology after returning to education as a mature student.
Ms Hepplewhite said: "As an 'extra' mature student I was quite anxious about starting, thinking I wouldn’t fit in.
"I couldn’t have been more wrong.
"My course was attended by people from all walks of life and of different ages.
"I have made some really good friends and learned a lot from the young people on my course.
"During my time at Sunderland, I have felt not only fully supported by the University, but that I actually belonged there, and that makes learning so much easier."
Her journey to graduation has been marked by determination and resilience.
Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2016, she took up running with the South Shields Harriers and went on to compete in 5k, 10k, and half marathon events.
She also took part in Masters athletics, winning gold medals in hammer throw and shot put.
However, her running career came to an abrupt halt in December 2017 after she slipped on black ice while training, shattering her ankle and breaking her leg in four places.
After two unsuccessful surgeries, her third operation was delayed until June 2021 due to the pandemic.
Ms Hepplewhite said her mental health declined during this period, and she has not been able to regain her previous fitness.
Before starting her degree, she worked for a not-for-profit organisation managing a team of advisors supporting people into employment.
She said: "After 15 years in my job I decided I wanted to complete a degree to broaden my career options and improve my mental health.
"I enrolled part-time on the sociology BSc course in 2022.
"I did my first year as a part-time student, and to my amazement found not only that I absolutely loved it, but that I was getting decent marks, and I was happy again."
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She later switched to full-time study.
Ms Hepplewhite will now continue her academic journey with a Master of Philosophy in the sociology of media and culture at Wolfson College, Cambridge, supported by a full scholarship from the Cambridge Trust.
Dr Matthew Durey, senior lecturer in social sciences at the University of Sunderland, said: "It’s been wonderful watching Gillian develop as a student, but even better to see what this means for Gillian going forward."
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