For over 40 years, Tony lived an ordinary life. Now, aged 63, he finds himself graduating with two diagnoses, an unusual hobby, and a greyhound called Archie.

“I don’t think my journey has been extraordinary,” says the man sitting across from me.

Softly spoken, with the type of eyes that tell stories, Tony laughs. 

“I’m a university student. It just so happens that I have Parkinson’s and early onset dementia, too.”

He smiles, raising his paper cup of tea to his lips with a light tremor before setting it back down on the table between us and letting it cool off.

For Tony, every aspect of campus life – from hot teas to libraries – is something to be absorbed; cherished; appreciated.

Having left school in 1980 as a result of familial financial difficulties, the 63-year-old turned to employment.

“I was part of the civil service for 6-years before becoming a nurse.

“I’ve always enjoyed being around people – working with people. You learn a lot from others”

It’s a sentiment likely reflected in his own course cohort. 

A beacon of knowledge, Tony tells me that his age – and the life experience that comes with it – is reflected in the way that he learns.

“I’m not scared to ask questions in seminars. If I get something wrong, I get something wrong.

“I think there’s something to be said about that. It’s not about proving yourself to anyone. 

“We’re all here to learn.”

Tony pauses, inhaling deeply before gently breathing out, his kind eyes reflecting in the tea before him.

He flips his phone cover back and forth, as if toying with the admission he is about to make.

“I’ve wanted to walk away multiple times,” he nods.

He courteously lowers his head before raising it again, this time grinning.

“When I first got my place on the course, I thought – oh god. What have I done?

“I never know what I’m going to feel one day to another, and that was terrifying.

“Life is a scary place. Life with a degenerative brain disorder is a really, really scary place.

“But you don’t have to be scared.”

It’s as if the words are etched into a part of his brain, a safe space to visit in uncertain times.

Just as apparent is that such a safe space is not just in his head. Tony has surrounded himself with support systems – many of which he now calls friends.

“The learning enhancement team, my tutor Zoe and my scribe Jenny, are to thank.

“I wouldn’t be graduating in July without them. They’re lifesavers.”

A sudden still falls over the cafe that we are sitting in. 

As the sound of steaming milk echoes amid the calls of coffee orders, the sudden realisation that Tony might not be here without certain staff members sinks in.

“Nobody’s ever told me that I can’t, or that I shouldn’t”

Despite barriers – some small enough to hurdle and others large enough for most people to avoid entirely – Tony has broken through all.

But he says it’s taught him more about others than himself.

“I’ve learned the meaning of inclusivity. We don’t – we shouldn’t – do exclusive.

“Everyone has a right to education, and there shouldn’t be any barriers to that.

“No financial, physical, or mental barriers.”

Physical barriers which, with the support of a local gym, he has literally torn through.

“I started boxing in January,” he calmly states, as if it were a part of everyone’s morning routine.

“I don’t tremor when I box – it’s good for Parkinson’s because of the repetitive motion.

“I’d have never considered it before. But then again, there’s a lot I wouldn’t have considered before my diagnosis.”

A once self-proclaimed ‘council-house kid’, Tony’s now on a mission to inspire and assist others as he progresses in his academic journey.

“I’m continuing my studies with a master’s in modern history,” he quips.

Self-funded at the Open University (OU), the venture is perhaps a full-circle moment for the 63-year-old who once couldn’t afford an education.

“Being over 60, I’m not eligible for any form of funding – and a similar course at UEA is £11,750.

“The OU gives me the chance to pay per module, as opposed to the full amount upfront.”

Supported by his wife Lis, who he described as his “rock”, Tony’s future looks bright; graduating with a first-class honor in July.

Armed with a degree, a pair of boxing gloves and a community of love, Tony will no doubt prove how extraordinary he really is – no matter how ordinary he feels.

If you, or anyone you know, would like to contact Tony for more information or support, you can reach him at tonypearse1963@gmail.com