A Suffolk mother-of-five is taking steps to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse after 25 years out of education.

Zoei Malcom left school at 16 and briefly studied on a youth training scheme before going into work at the Harris meat factory in Ipswich and starting a family.

Now at the age of 44, Zoei is doing a nursing degree at the University of Suffolk after completing a course at Suffolk New College that helps adults gain a pathway into higher education.

Zoei, who suffers with Bell’s Palsy, a condition that causes weakness of the muscles on one side of the face, said: “To others who have been out of education for 25 years, I’d say don’t be afraid – be aware that you will have to change your way of thinking – you have to be organised and disciplined. You may have to juggle things with your home life – but you are never too old.”

Zoei recently returned to Suffolk New College to share her story with students.