LIFE in a wheelchair has been a struggle for seriously-handicapped Frank Conlon.

With virtually no education and the use of only one arm, he still took on a university degree course.

And after 11 long years of study, Frank has been awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology and religious studies.

Frank, aged 67, who has been severely disabled from birth, said: "It has been a slog but the days of studying have been the best of my life."

He suffered a heart attack but battled on, taking just one module of the Manchester University course each year both on campus for lectures and study at his flat in Moston.

His discovery of learning late in life has been some consolation for his early school life, which is a bad memory.

He said: "In days gone by, the handicapped weren't treated as well as they are today.

"I didn't get a chance when I was younger. I had a poor education.

"I had to go to schools that were for handicapped children. The attitude was that when you left school you wouldn't be any use anyway.

"Before I left the headmistress stopped me in the corridor and her parting words were that I was a great disappointment and that I would never make anything of my life at all."

He added: "I always fancied going to university after calling in to Oxford - there were graduates in their gowns. I wanted to be able to do that."

Fundraising

Now Frank, from Moston, wants to make sure other students with disabilities are able to follow his example, by raising enough money to pay for the refurbishment of a hall of residence flat.

He has already raised thousands of pounds for the project by completing sections of the Bogle Stroll - an annual sponsored Rag event. And in the future he intends to raise even more for the flat.

He said: "The flat would be for a severely-disabled student who needs round-the-clock care.

"Hopefully we will be able to convert one of the rooms in a hall of residence."

Throughout his 11-year stint at the university, Frank has had the support of personal tutor Prof George Brooke, who is delighted with his student's achievement.

He said: "He has worked extremely hard and has been ill recently, so it's all the more remarkable that he finished the course last week. His determination and hard work are exemplary and he has been an example to other full-time students on the course."

Anyone who wants to support Frank's efforts to raise funds to adapt a flat for students with disabilities can contact Prof George Brooke at the department of religions and theologies, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL.

Student Frank said: "I feel very attached to the university - they say I can go in whenever I like.

"They have given me a new life."