Marie's Epic Journey
Read all about it!
08 Aug 2007 11:22
An article by Karen Doherty, published in the Oldham Chronicle.
Marie's epic journey is certain to inspire...
FIVE years ago Marie McNamara was stuck at home, living off benefits and struggling to read or write. Now the mother-of-three from Limeside is studying nursing at university and has written a moving book about her experiences to inspire others.
‘Getting Better’ charts how Marie turned her life around after enrolling on a computer course and then going on to do an adult literacy course at the Oldham College. It will be used by adults learning to read and includes a testimonial from Maura Buchanan, president of the Royal College of Nursing, who says: “I was caught up and dazzled by Marie’s story. It is truly an inspirational one and, having heard of her incredible life journey, I know that she will be a credit to our nursing profession.”
Liquidation
Marie left St Anselm’s School at 15 without any qualifications and found herself in a dead-end job and an abusive relationship. However, the 38-year-old, of Farm Road, Limeside, decided to turn things around when her relationship broke down and the firm she worked for went into liquidation. Her book opens with an insight into her despair and starts: “On my own with a teenager and two small children. Sat at home, living off benefits. I hated it. I wanted so much more for me and my children.”
Determined to get out of the house, she started doing voluntary work and enrolled on a computer course, but found that she relied on her tutor to read and spell words for her. “I didn’t realise how bad I was but when I look back I realise that I couldn’t read, write or spell properly,” admitted Marie.
She enrolled on the literacy course and then, inspired by her voluntary work at the likes of Tameside General Hospital and a hostel for the homeless, went on to do health and social care and access to nursing. Now in the second year of an adult nursing diploma at Salford University, her ambition is to work on a surgical ward and Marie said: “I can’t believe how much it’s changed me. “But don’t get me wrong, it’s been hard. People think it has happened just like that, but it has taken years.”
Her determination has seen her scoop two national accolades: a prestigious Helena Kennedy Bursary which supports students who were denied an opportunity to continue their education the first time around, and a learner award from the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.
But more important than awards for Marie has been setting an example to her children, Sean (20), Andrew (10) and eight-year-old Louise. She said: “I am really strict with my children about their education. They have to do their homework as soon as they get in and if they don’t bring it home they are grounded. I feel bad but I am not having them go through life like I did. I went straight to work at 15. Education wasn’t important.”
It was Marie’s former Oldham College tutor, Vicky Duckworth, who persuaded her to put pen to paper. And publisher Gatehouse Media, which produces books for adult beginner readers, was so impressed with her story that it decided to print it. Gatehouse managing director Catherine White explained: “Our readers will be able to empathise with Marie. There are some wonderful comments on the back of the book and I think it is going to inspire a lot of people.”
By KAREN DOHERTY
08 Aug 2007 11:22
An article by Karen Doherty, published in the Oldham Chronicle.
Marie's epic journey is certain to inspire...
FIVE years ago Marie McNamara was stuck at home, living off benefits and struggling to read or write. Now the mother-of-three from Limeside is studying nursing at university and has written a moving book about her experiences to inspire others.
‘Getting Better’ charts how Marie turned her life around after enrolling on a computer course and then going on to do an adult literacy course at the Oldham College. It will be used by adults learning to read and includes a testimonial from Maura Buchanan, president of the Royal College of Nursing, who says: “I was caught up and dazzled by Marie’s story. It is truly an inspirational one and, having heard of her incredible life journey, I know that she will be a credit to our nursing profession.”
Liquidation
Marie left St Anselm’s School at 15 without any qualifications and found herself in a dead-end job and an abusive relationship. However, the 38-year-old, of Farm Road, Limeside, decided to turn things around when her relationship broke down and the firm she worked for went into liquidation. Her book opens with an insight into her despair and starts: “On my own with a teenager and two small children. Sat at home, living off benefits. I hated it. I wanted so much more for me and my children.”
Determined to get out of the house, she started doing voluntary work and enrolled on a computer course, but found that she relied on her tutor to read and spell words for her. “I didn’t realise how bad I was but when I look back I realise that I couldn’t read, write or spell properly,” admitted Marie.
She enrolled on the literacy course and then, inspired by her voluntary work at the likes of Tameside General Hospital and a hostel for the homeless, went on to do health and social care and access to nursing. Now in the second year of an adult nursing diploma at Salford University, her ambition is to work on a surgical ward and Marie said: “I can’t believe how much it’s changed me. “But don’t get me wrong, it’s been hard. People think it has happened just like that, but it has taken years.”
Her determination has seen her scoop two national accolades: a prestigious Helena Kennedy Bursary which supports students who were denied an opportunity to continue their education the first time around, and a learner award from the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.
But more important than awards for Marie has been setting an example to her children, Sean (20), Andrew (10) and eight-year-old Louise. She said: “I am really strict with my children about their education. They have to do their homework as soon as they get in and if they don’t bring it home they are grounded. I feel bad but I am not having them go through life like I did. I went straight to work at 15. Education wasn’t important.”
It was Marie’s former Oldham College tutor, Vicky Duckworth, who persuaded her to put pen to paper. And publisher Gatehouse Media, which produces books for adult beginner readers, was so impressed with her story that it decided to print it. Gatehouse managing director Catherine White explained: “Our readers will be able to empathise with Marie. There are some wonderful comments on the back of the book and I think it is going to inspire a lot of people.”
By KAREN DOHERTY
