Father-of-five follows dream to become nurse at 64

A 64-year-old who recently graduated as a nurse says he hopes his journey shows you are never too old to get a degree.

John Adesoye, who grew up in Nigeria, worked as an electronics technician in Greece before moving to the UK in 2013 and deciding on a career change.

The father-of-five has now secured a nursing role at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where he started working as a healthcare assistant in 2014.

"If I can do it, others can too. People are more brilliant and stronger than they think," he said.

Adesoye said his career change to healthcare was motivated by a desire to care for people.

"When I was caring for electronic devices, I was happy when I could get broken devices working again.

"In my work in healthcare, when patients get better it gives me great joy and satisfaction," he said.

The graduate worked across various hospital departments including cardiology, A&E and intensive care during his degree apprenticeship at the University of the West England.

And he said he planned to take on a masters-level qualification if the opportunity arose.

"The moment you start in higher education, you'll see that the door will continue to open for you," he said.

"It's never too late," Adesoye added.

Adesoye spent one day a week learning at Glenside campus in Fishponds and the remainder of his week in his role at Southmead Hospital.

Jacqui Caskey and Caroline Bromwich, who co-lead the registered nurse degree apprenticeship he took, praised his dedication.

"Being a nurse apprentice is no mean feat", they said. "They juggle this with busy lives, along with family and caring commitments."

Professor Steve Hams, chief nursing officer at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, said his whole team were "incredibly proud" of Adesoye.

"His journey is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue your ambitions," he added.

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