An Inverness nursing student fulfilled her mum’s dying wish by graduating from university yesterday.
Natalie Grout marked the end of her studies at the Robert Gordon University with a bachelor’s degree in adult nursing.
Her mum Annemarie lost her battle against cancer and died, aged just 50, on Valentine’s Day this year.
Ms Grout was just about to begin her first nursing placement in Aberdeen at the time, and after a short break the 20-year-old returned to her studies and successfully completed the course.
Before her mother died, she asked Ms Grout’s personal tutor to promise her that her daughter would complete her studies.
Ms Grout said she was proud to have fulfilled her wishes.
“I love doing nursing and my mum wouldn’t have wanted me to give up,” she said.
“It was a hard few months and I nearly didn’t make it, but I’m glad I did.
“It felt really good getting my diploma today. I’ve always liked caring for people, and have always watched the medical TV shows. When I did nursing work experience in school I realised that it was definitely something I wanted to do.”
Ms Grout, who has already secured a job as a nurse at a hospital near Cambridge said returning to her placement following her mother’s death had been difficult, and praised loved ones for helping her through.
“Going back to my placement was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do and the first couple of shifts back were really tough,” she said.
“However, with the support of my family, friends and mentors I managed to finish the placement and complete my course.
“I am very proud to graduate from RGU and am excited about what the future holds for my career.”