A former university student has finally graduated 33 years after finishing her degree.
Bee Costello-Bates completed her politics degree in 1993 at the University of Bristol, but did not attend her graduation.
Now working as a journalist, she was unable to attend when her ill father had received a devastating diagnosis.
Mrs Costello-Bates, 54, said she had always regretted not attending and was “always at the back of her mind”.
After reconnecting with her university and mentoring students, Mrs Costello Bates finally collected her degree at a ceremony at the Wills Memorial Building on Wednesday.
She said: “Not attending my graduation ceremony was always at the back of my mind, and it was something I regretted not doing, especially after seeing my nieces and nephews graduate and enjoy the experience so much.
“To attend the ceremony with my 11-year-old daughter and my husband has been amazing.
“My daughter has now been to both her parents’ graduation ceremonies after my husband achieved a masters in forestry a few years ago.”
Bee Costello-Bates and Holly Smithurst, one of the students mentored through the Bristol Mentors programme
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Mrs Costello-Bates has written for a host publications including the Sun, the Times, and worked as a researcher for the Sunday Times Magazine.
After completing a wine diploma, she became editor of a drinks title, and later established a public relations consultancy with a focus on food, drink and travel in 2013.
The politics graduate re-engaged with her university through the Bristol Mentors scheme, which matches students with an alumni mentor.
Holly Smithurst, a history and Spanish graduate, was one of the students she mentored.
Bee Costello-Bates donning her cap and gown in front of the University of Bristol Wills Memorial Building
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Ms Smithurst said: “Bee went above and beyond to support me.
“Her advice and knowledge were absolutely amazing, and she went through all the options available to me.It’s great that she’s graduating, and I hope she has a wonderful day.
“She’s been a real inspiration for me and, as a result, I hope to undertake a masters in journalism next year.”
She also supported Amelia Shaw, a policy and sociology graduate from last year’s cohort.
Ms Shaw said: “She has empowered so many of us to believe in our potential and has given so much back to the University of Bristol community, championing the next generation of young journalists.”
Imogene Halsey-Dudley, head of alumni engagement at the university, said it was “so grateful” for the support Mrs Costello-Bates provided.
She added: “These students are from underrepresented groups and often face wider challenges than their peers, and the help given by mentors like Bee is invaluable.
“We’re thrilled to hear that Bristol Mentors enabled Bee to reconnect to the university and ultimately led to her officially graduating. Many congratulations Bee and thank you for supporting our students.”