Mum won't let health challenges slow down her studies

INSPIRATIONAL mature student Mandy Price's motto “rise up and show up” could not be more apt.

- JAMES ARNOTT

Despite huge personal and family health challenges, including spending five weeks in hospital after clustered epileptic seizures, she refuses to let the condition define her.

The day after being removed from a ventilator on her first hospital admission, she sat in the intensive care unit completing a presentation for her bachelor of science degree in animal welfare and behaviour.

Two days after her hospital discharge, she was back studying at Coleg Sir Gâr in Carmarthen.

In addition to being diagnosed with epilepsy and other medical conditions, Mandy, 49, cares for her partner and son, who has complex needs.

Yet somehow she still finds time to study and support children as a Burns by Your Side reading volunteer with learning support dog, Daisy.

Mandy's third hospital stay followed her return from Greece, where she worked on a Loggerhead Sea Turtle Conservation Research Project. Her recovery has been arduous, forcing her to delay completing her degree until the next academic year.

Mandy, who lives in Carmarthen, became interested in animal-related studies after joining a support group and becoming a volunteer at Many Tears Animal Rescue, where equestrian yard manager Katy Kear was instrumental in empowering her.