‘Proud’ Bristol University graduate rethinks life after crash

A 55-year-old man who returned to school after a serious bicycle accident made him rethink his life has graduated from university.

Mathew Blackmore was knocked unconscious for 10 minutes and suffered multiple fractures and a brain bleed after his bike collided with a van in 2018.

He was left with extreme fatigue, anxiety and mental confusion after the accident.

Despite being told at school he was “not good enough to rise above the lower class”, the father-of-two has just graduated from the University of Bristol.

“I used to think, ‘What’s the point of doing a degree?'” Mr Blackmore said.

“But after going through it, I realized it’s more than just what you learn, it’s the dedication and commitment you have to have.”

Mr Blackmore did not enjoy school and left with four O-Levels (the forerunner of GCSEs).

He tried college twice but dropped out and pursued a 30-year career in business.

Outside of work, he rode about 12 hours a week, often logging hundreds of hours on his bike each month.

Then one morning in 2018, everything changed. As Mr Blackmore, then 49, cycled towards a junction, he collided with a van.

Mr Blackmore, from Brislington, Bristol, said: “The last thing I remember was seeing a ‘give way’ sign. I don’t remember the impact.

“I was airlifted to Southmead Hospital and was off work for six weeks.”

He fractured his hand, scapula and back in several places and had a hemorrhage on his brain.

“I didn’t realize the damage that was happening and I went back to work early,” he said.

“I ended up rethinking my life and what I wanted to do. I was turning 50 and had this idea of ​​taking a course.”

Mr Blackmore enrolled on the University of Bristol’s 13-week part-time course, Ways into History, taught by Dr Richard Stone.

After retiring early due to ill health, Mr Blackmore completed a one-year full-time foundation course in Bristol. He has now completed a three-year BA in History.

Dr. Stone said, “I was so proud to see Matt walk across the stage to receive his diploma.”

“He proved how much you can achieve through hard work, passion and dedication, and that it’s never too late to start something new and exciting.”

Mr Blackmore said: “Last year my daughter became the first person in the family to get a degree and now I am the second.”

“My mum and dad came to Exmouth for my graduation. They were worried about me when I was at school,” he continued.

“So it’s great to have them here to celebrate, along with my wife and two children, who have given me so much encouragement and support since the accident.”