A graduate who has faced a journey through personal adversities is set to start her medical career with East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust next month.

Stephanie Bowie-McIntosh faced hurdles including an abusive relationship, sexual harassment and an ADHD diagnosis but has emerged resilient.

Ms Bowie-McIntosh said: "After leaving an abusive relationship, I realised I had so much more to offer people and wanted to concentrate on caring for people."

Aged 30, she graduated from the University of Central Lancashire recently and eagerly looks forward to commencing her year-one doctor position at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Recognising the challenges faced in her past, she added: "My journey throughout medical school wasn't smooth sailing.

"I've faced many hurdles and turmoil, and no one can ever prepare you for how you deal with trauma, but my lived experience means I know what people are going through at their most vulnerable moments in life and I hope I can leave a lasting impact on them."

Upon discovering she had ADHD during her third year at medical school, she credits the School of Medicine's staff for their resolute support.

"After facing many hurdles, fatigue and exhaustion, the staff are like family and they genuinely wanted the best for me so again, they kept pushing me," she said.

Significantly, she is also the first dyslexic member of her immediate family to go to university.

Stephanie moved from Scotland to Preston for a Sports Therapy degree, following which she accomplished an MSc in Sports Medicine, all while working full-time.

The first-generation university student said: "I had to rely on the support of my fiancé Dave and full-time work, which really forced me to find a way to balance the demands of work, study and life."