Home manager at MHA Lauriston graduates with diploma in midst of family illness

The home manager of MHA Lauriston did not let a health scare and supporting her husband in his battle with cancer deter her from completing her qualification.

Dionne McEwan graduated with a post graduate diploma in Dementia Studies.

She completed her qualification in very tough circumstances, and sometimes had to complete her assignments whilst sitting in the car on the way to the hospital with her husband.

Dionne received her diploma from the University of Sterling and was accompanied by her husband.

Speaking after the graduation she said: “I am very proud of my achievement, and I want to thank MHA for investing in me and supporting me throughout the two years of my qualification.

“I was never a fan of school, so to complete my qualification and graduate, especially with the circumstances I had to deal with, standing on that stage was a great feeling.

“There was a lot going on in my personal life, I had a health scare, and my husband was having chemo and radiotherapy which was not ideal.

“There were times when I was completing assignments in the car on the way to the hospital.

“When I was presented with my diploma it did make me emotional as I was thinking about how difficult the journey was 

“I did feel a little bit embarrassed as I don't like accolades, but I managed to get through it.

“I want to thank Vanessa Lane and David Moore from MHA who supported me along the way and there were times when I thought about giving in, but they showed a lot of faith in me and gave me the confidence to carry on.

“Studying for the diploma has helped me immensely, I am already adapting what I have learned into my working life, and it's something I will continue to do.

“I will be more than happy to help others who are considering the diploma and I would recommend they go for it as it will be a great way for them to develop.”