A STUDENT who bravely battled with a prolonged illness has graduated from the University of Worcester with a BA honours degree.

Tom Hunt, aged 26, was diagnosed with ME – myalgic encephalomyelitis – when he was 15, but he had suffered from the illness since the age of 11.

Nearly 250,000 people currently have a form of ME in Britain, and it can be often associated with extreme fatigue, sore muscles and joints as well as affecting concentration, sometimes making education extremely difficult.

“I was gutted to have to leave mainstream education,” said Mr Hunt, “but I found comfort in the support given by personal tutors.”

Determined to get his GCSEs, he went to the pupil referral unit at the Priory, in Leominster, where he completed several, gaining an A* in English. Mr Hunt said: “The ultimate goal was to go to university. It was a real benchmark and something to aspire to.”

Despite suffering from constant tiredness and muscle wastage, Mr Hunt pursued his dream by studying a flexi-course at Hereford College of Technology.

The specially-designed course enabled him to complete higher education but at a slower pace to accommodate his condition. When he reached the age of 22, Mr Hunt was deemed to be a mature student. The university did not base acceptance purely on UCAS points, which is the normal entry process for most students.

“The university listened to my story, and understood that I had to pace myself,” said Mr Hunt, of Bromyard. “They provided a really good support system, with a personal tutor to oversee what I was doing, giving me a bit of extra cushioning.”

Dr Jill Terry, head of English and cultural studies at the University of Worcester, said: “Tom was highly motivated and worked extremely hard to overcome his personal difficulties. His cheerful approach was always heartening to see.” Mr Hunt received his degree in English, literacy studies and geography on Thursday, November 5.

“ME is not curable, but it’s not all that bad, because you can get out of it. Don’t lose hope,” said Mr Hunt.