A MOTHER from York who beat learning disabilities to study her way to a degree has been honoured at an award ceremony for her dedication.

Linda Harrison, 46, of Haxby Road, was named the regional award winner for North Yorkshire at last night’s Adult Learners’ Week Awards, held in Leeds.

Linda, who is deaf, said she was bullied at school because of her dyslexia and hearing difficulties, and it was not until years later, as she recovered from postnatal depression after the birth of her first child, that she decided to change her life.

She said: “I’m over the moon about the award. It’s been very hard, but rewarding,” she said. “I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family.

“It was after I had my eldest daughter and I stopped work and I got depressed and needed something to give me a bit more self confidence.”

Linda first completed GCSEs in English and maths and an AS-level in accountancy.

The recurrence of depression after the birth of her second child then saw Linda return to college and complete courses in learning support and British sign language, and A-levels in sociology and book- keeping.

Volunteer work followed at a local play group, and Linda is now studying for a foundation degree in young children’s learning and development at York College.

She said: “It is okay to be different; just go at the pace you are happy with and never be afraid to ask for help.

“Doing the degree is just fantastic, I love it.

“I have ambitions to carry on learning and maybe get in to a teaching or mentoring role and pass on some of my experience.”

Judy Robinson, chief executive of Involve Yorkshire & Humber, organisers of the award, said: “Linda’s story demonstrates the way learning can have a positive effect on your life.

“We congratulate Linda and all the winners of the Adult Learners’ Awards and hope that their stories can inspire others to consider learning a new skill or qualification.”