86-year-old Grandmother Becomes Oldest Ever Graduate from University of Bristol

An 86-year-old grandmother has become the oldest ever graduate from the University of Bristol after receiving her doctorate in education.

Introducing Dr Peggy Styles, our oldest ever graduate at 86 #BristolGrad pic.twitter.com/xUxtRocBNP

— Bristol University (@BristolUni) July 19, 2017

Peggy Styles fell ill with a life-threatening kidney infection part-way through her studies, which caused them to be suspended by 18 months. In total, it took her eight years to finish her degree.

She told reporters: “The university was absolutely super and agreed to suspend my studies until I felt better. I was determined to finish my doctorate.”

Grandmother Peggy Styles graduates from @BristolUni aged 86! #Bristol https://t.co/dgGjkJDsrm pic.twitter.com/Jl0ed8WHQ9

— homecare.co.uk (@homecare_co_uk) July 25, 2017

Although her family were present to watch her graduate, unfortunately her husband John was not at her side as he died last year as Peggy was finishing her 48,000-word dissertation.

Born in England in 1931, Peggy initially left school at the age of 15 with only a qualification in shorthand. She was inspired to return to education after helping her grandson Oliver with a school project about World War Two.