Bristol masters student, 70, graduates despite eyesight loss

Mr Deal said he had been "looking forward to this day immensely"

A 70-year-old grandad has graduated with a Masters degree in history, despite losing much of his eyesight.

Paul Deal, who left school with just four O-Levels, was halfway through his studies at the University of Bristol when an infection in his right eye left him with around 20% vision.

He deferred his studies for a year and made frequent visits to Bristol Eye Hospital to undergo laser eye surgery.

Mr Deal, from Wiltshire, said he is "very proud" to be graduating.

Mr Deal, who lives near Bradford-on-Avon, said he hopes to inspire other retirees to pursue further education.

During his successful career as a journalist, he worked in several news outlets including the Bath Evening Chronicle, the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph and the BBC.

Mr Deal spent 40 years as a journalist prior to his retirement

"I'd always loved the idea of going back to education. Growing up in east London and Essex I never thought I'd go to university - never," said Mr Deal.

"None of my family had gone and I was just completely focused on becoming a journalist."

'A traumatic time'

It was whilst out on a walk with his dog that Mr Deal first began noticing his blurred vision.

At 02:00 GMT the next morning, he was rushed into theatre where an eye surgeon sought to halt an infection that was rapidly travelling through his right eye.

"It was a traumatic time," said the father-of-three.

"After another operation the next day, I was told I might not get my sight back. I thought 'what am I going to do about my MA now?'"

Determined to graduate, Mr Deal deferred for a year and explored assistive technology to aid his reading.

Earlier, he graduated against all odds in front of his wife Diana and youngest daughter, Rebecca.

Mr Deal has a particular interest in the English Civil Wars, Irish history and Bristol's role in the slave trade

"It's been a heck of a time and I'm very proud to be graduating," he said.

"I've been looking forward to this day immensely.

"I wondered how I'd cope at university and it was hard at times. However, I learnt that, even at prestigious institutions like Bristol, you are made welcome by students and teachers, no matter if you are older.

"I would love to think that someone who has stopped working might see my story and consider becoming a student," he added.

Dr Amy Edwards, Mr Deal's personal tutor, said: "Working with students like Paul, who are engaged and eager to learn, is a joy.

"He not only took on the usual challenges that a History MA poses, but also a number of others that none of us could have expected."