New mum Charlotte 'feels the love'

New mum Charlotte Montgomery thanked her family who supported her all the way to graduation at Liverpool John Moores University.

The 23-year-old gave birth before starting her final year of a Sport and Exercise Science degree – and barely missed a lecture as her family and lecturers mucked in to help.

“Everyone was amazing from my tutor to my family who flew over from Northern Ireland to help with little Aria. I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said after graduating at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

Charlotte, who attended Carrickfergus Academy and the Northern Regional College, says she got her love of medical and biological disciplines from her mother Rosey, who is a nurse.

“The impact that taking part in sport has on the human body and mind has always fascinated me. From a young age I have always loved all aspects surrounding this area, so I knew Sport Science at LJMU was the right choice for me.”

Her goal was always to finish her degree at Liverpool John Moores University so when she found out she was pregnant, it didn’t change her plans one jot.

Aria was born in September 2023, but between feeds and catnaps, Charlotte was able to play catch-up online during semester 1 of her final year.

“I didn’t miss any uni as I caught up with lectures and seminars when Aria was sleeping or when my partner Tiernan or parents were able to watch her.”

The School was so flexible it means she only had to come over to Liverpool once in semester 1, then in semester 2 she flew back and forth each week. When she did have to fly to Liverpool with Aria for meetings with tutors or lab work there was always someone from her family who came with her.

“There was never any pressure from the lecturers. They were happy to go with what suited me best. 

“It definitely wasn't easy especially with a newborn baby but I made it my goal and managed to achieve a 2:1!

"My grandad always said to me that "you can do anything and be anything that you want to be as long as you work hard", this stayed with me through my time at university and helped me realise that as long as I work hard and try my best then I can reach my goals."

Sadly, grandad Samuel, 91, passed away in October 2023 shortly after Aria was born.

“My family and partner have been extremely supportive and Dr Lee Graves (her personal tutor) was amazing; I couldn't thank him enough for the time and work he put in to ensure I reached my goal.

“The Uni was so cool about it, they just put things in place to ensure I didn't feel overwhelmed, they got me course materials early - to look over in summer before starting and were always there to guide me and answer any questions guide.

“It’s been tough but having my baby and getting my degree have been the two most rewarding things that I have ever done.”

Charlotte now plans to work in sports rehab and is also interested in doing a PGCE or Masters.

IMAGE: Josh, Tiernan, Charlotte, Rosey and Gary with baby Aria at Charlotte’s graduation on Monday.

More than 1,500 students graduated today (Monday, July 8) from the Schools of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences.