George Medal winner marks graduation

Lisa Potts-Webb was awarded the George Medal in 1997 after protecting children at the nursery in Blakenhall she then worked at, from a machete wielding attacker.

Lisa was awarded the medal by the Queen and she went on to set up her own charity, Believe to Achieve, which works with schools in the Wolverhampton area.

Yesterday Lisa, 38, graduated after completing a three year Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing within the University’s School of Health and Wellbeing.

Lisa previously received an Honorary Fellowship from the University in 2008.

She said: “The honorary award was very special to me as it recognised my charity work and work in the community for 11 years which was wonderful.

“Graduating is all about what I have achieved through hard work and study over the last three years. It’s been great to have been a mature learner. I have to say juggling study with two kids and a busy life with the charity work as well was tough. I found it very hard to start with but I’m so glad that I did it - it’s been a great experience.

“Nursing is hard work, especially having to balance the theory and the practical in terms of going out there and doing the job in a hospital. I did a range of nursing placements at New Cross in A&E, cancer wards, care for the elderly, cardio- it gives you a really good grounding and I have to say I loved every single placement I did.”

Lisa, who is married with two sons, is now undertaking a top up degree in BSc(Hons) Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting) for a year, in order to help her qualify to become a Health Visitor which will involve working with parents and families.

She said: “What happened 17 years ago in that playground is part of my life. I’m very open about it if people ask me. But at the same time that was 17 years ago and you look forward to new opportunities and I have continued on a great journey which has been fantastic.

“I’m really glad I took the plunge to study, lots of people encouraged me along the way and I’m looking forward to the coming year, which will involve more placements in the community.”

ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003

Date Issued: Friday 13 September 2013