A mother-of-three who was diagnosed with breast cancer and fell unexpectedly pregnant during her studies has graduated with a BSc in Adult Nursing from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).

Stacey Smith from Ayr finally obtained her degree on Tuesday’s graduation ceremony at the Paisley Abbey.

After working as an auxiliary nurse for years, Stacey decided to embark on a new qualification in 2021 once her then two children were both in school.

 The night before the first day of her second year, doctors told Stacey they were “99% sure” that she had breast cancer.

“I got up the next day and went into uni as normal”, Stacey said, as “there was no point sitting at home being sad”.

Once the biopsy results came back and confirmed a hormone-based cancer two weeks later, Stacey had no choice but to postpone her studies and undergo 10 months of intense treatment including chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.

Stacey required daily medication and hormone injections for the cancer which triggered menopause. Eight weeks after her final treatment, she finally returned to university but “against all odds” fell pregnant towards the end of second year.

Stacey continued to attend university right up until her waters broke five weeks before due date and was put on bed rest. Still, she never gave up her studies and returned to UWS in November 2025, nine months after giving birth.

It has been hard but the care I received whilst vulnerable has always pushed me to never give up and inspired me to be the nurse I now am.

Stacey Smith, BSc Adult Nursing

“It has been hard but the care I received whilst vulnerable has always pushed me to never give up and inspired me to be the nurse I now am. It has not been easy with a newborn, now toddler.”

Stacey now works at University Ayr Hospital in the Ophthalmology department.  

It means the world to me to finally have completed my course after I had so many obstacles to overcome to get to where I am, but my passion never left and the support my university, mum and partner have given me means I have successfully graduated today and I am proud of myself.

Stacey said: “It means the world to me to finally have completed my course after I had so many obstacles to overcome to get to where I am, but my passion never left and the support my university, mum and partner have given me means I have successfully graduated today and I am proud of myself.”

Stacey’s story is an incredible example of determination and resilience. Despite facing extraordinary personal circumstances, she remained committed to her ambition of becoming a qualified nurse.

Professor James Miller, UWS Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS said: “Stacey’s story is an incredible example of determination and resilience. Despite facing extraordinary personal circumstances, she remained committed to her ambition of becoming a qualified nurse. I am very proud that she chose to return to UWS after receiving intense cancer treatment and again after maternity leave and wish her every success in her role at Ayr hospital.”