Ellen Clegg will graduate today (Wednesday 14 December) with a BSc degree in Midwifery Sciences from the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast.  

Ellen (31) from Belfast lives with her husband Mark and their three children Katie (12) Brodie (10) and Frankie (6). Ellen’s three children have a diagnosis of autism and learning disability and attend special needs schools.  

Talking about her experience of being a busy mum to three whilst studying to be a midwife, Ellen said: “There has been plenty of sacrifices to get to where I am today and at times, balancing my degree with family responsibilities, has been tough.  

“Both Katie and Frankie are non-verbal; they could talk as babies but regressed at around 17 months, lost their speech and have never spoken since. My middle son talks but has a diagnosis of moderate learning disability and although he is ten, he has the mental age of a five-year-old.”  

Ellen’s determined nature and strong character, as well as support from Queen’s colleagues and her family, helped her throughout her degree. Ellen continues: “Queen’s students can avail of counselling which I used to talk to someone about my challenges at home. I found it so useful and something I really needed.  

“My husband has also been my biggest support, doing the school pick-ups and helping me with juggling everything.”  

Ellen has recently started her new role as a midwife in the Royal Victoria. Looking ahead to her day of celebration, she said: “Our cohort has such a diverse age range, from 21-49; and we are all amazing midwives. I am so proud of us all.   

“I would really love for people to read this and know it is never too late, no matter what your circumstances are. Ten years ago, I was 21 with two babies and I never thought I would make it, but it’s finally happened, and I hope other people reading this will know, they too, can chase their dreams!”  

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