'Proud' graduate, 55, rethought life after crash

A serious bike crash left Mathew Blackmore with a bleed on the brain

A 55-year-old who returned to education after a serious bike crash made him rethink his life has graduated from university.

Mathew Blackmore was knocked out for 10 minutes and suffered several fractures and a bleed to the brain after his bike collided with a van in 2018.

He was left with extreme fatigue, anxiety and brain fog after the crash.

Despite being told at school that he "wasn't good enough to get out of the bottom class", the father-of-two has just graduated from the University of Bristol.

Mr Blackmore's parents travelled from Exmouth for his graduation

"I used to think 'what's the point in doing a degree?'" said Mr Blackmore.

"But having gone through it, I realise that it's about more than what you learn, it's the dedication and commitment that you have to give to it."

Mr Blackmore did not enjoy school, and left with four O-Levels (the precursor to GCSEs).

He tried college twice but dropped out and went on to a 30-year career in admin.

Outside of work he cycled around 12 hours a week, frequently clocking up several hundreds on his bike each month.

Mr Blackmore said he is the second person in his family to get a degree after his daughter

Then, one morning in 2018, everything changed. As the then 49-year-old Mr Blackmore cycled toward a junction, he collided with a van.

Mr Blackmore, from Brislington in Bristol, said: "The last thing I remember was seeing a give way sign, I don't remember the impact.

"I was airlifted to Southmead Hospital and was off work for six weeks."

He fractured his hand, scapula and his back in several places and had a bleed in his brain.

"I hadn't realised the damage that was done and I went back to work early," he said.

"I ended up rethinking my life and what I wanted to do. I was turning 50 and had this idea of getting a degree."

Proud family

Mr Blackmore joined the University of Bristol's 13-week part-time course, Ways into History, run by Dr Richard Stone.

After retiring early due to ill-health, Mr Blackmore did a full-time, one-year foundation course at Bristol. Now he has graduated from a three-year bachelor's degree in History.

Dr Stone said: "I was so proud watching Matt cross the stage to receive his degree."

"He's proved how much you can achieve through hard work, passion and dedication, and that it's never too late to start something new and exciting."

Mr Blackmore said: "Last year, my daughter became the first person in the family to get a degree and now I'm the second."

"My mum and dad came up for the graduation from Exmouth. They were worried about me when I was at school," he continued.

"So it’s great to have them here to celebrate, along with my wife and two children, who have given me much encouragement and support since the accident."