‘Anyone Can Do It’: Mature graduate overcomes late dyslexia diagnosis and personal struggles to follow healthcare dream

A mature student who was diagnosed with dyslexia during her degree and overcame a number of personal setbacks is graduating from Cardiff Metropolitan University this week.

Having worked as a hairdresser since leaving school at 16, Kelly Bichard, from Barry, went back to university in 2021 to study BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics at Cardiff Met after some personal health conditions inspired her to change career.

Kelly, now 44, said: “At the age of 30, I underwent a hysterectomy. It was during this time and after visiting a private nutritionist to see what I could do to make my own lifestyle healthier, that I became really interested in working in healthcare. I wanted to be able to give something back and make a difference.”

During her second year of university and at the age of 42, Kelly was diagnosed with dyslexia – a learning difficulty that can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling.

“My dyslexia was never picked up at school and I never noticed it as I managed to do well in my GCSEs – I think I found coping strategies on my own. It wasn’t until I came to university that I noticed I was different to other people on my course. I would procrastinate on coursework, try to start the work but be unable to get the words down on paper, and everything seemed to take me so much longer.

“It felt like a relief to be diagnosed with dyslexia. I have had so much support from student services at Cardiff Met who arranged for an in-person test to place which took around two hours and consisted of a number of small tests which then confirmed my diagnoses. The test was also funded by the University. I now have some great coping strategies that I didn’t have before - there is so much support available.”

Kelly was also forced to take a break from the degree in her final year in 2024 and is graduating a year later than planned, due to ill health in her family affecting her anxiety, returning in 2025 to complete the final semester of her course.

Ali Birrane, Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “Kelly has been a joy to teach. Her hard work, dedication and persistence to complete the course, despite having multiple challenges, and obstacles to overcome throughout the degree are testament to her character.”

Kelly says she is now keen to find a hospital-based role and credits the three clinical placements during her degree for helping her to decide to secure a role in an acute environment.

Kelly added: “I have really enjoyed the course. And the clinical placements have been a great way to experience a real case load in a hospital and get a good understanding of what life in the profession will be like once you graduate. By the end of the clinical placements, you feel a real sense of responsibility.

“To other students thinking of going back to university, or who may be wondering if they can do it - I would say that you can. Even though certain parts can be stressful, there is great support available, and anyone can do it if you really put you mind to it!”