To say Lancaster University graduate and cancer survivor Dr Bethany Dahlstrom has had a remarkable journey to get her PhD is a total understatement.

After a hurdle-filled decade-plus, Bethany is finally celebrated in style with her family this week when she walked up onto the Great Hall platform to receive her doctorate.

At so many points along the way, this seemed like an impossible mission.

Coming from a relatively small town near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in America, Bethany first arrived in the UK in 2013 to successfully study at Lancaster University for her Masters in Romantic and Victorian Literature.

It was, she said, the calibre of lecturers at Lancaster, then including Professors Terry Eagleton and, later, Paul Muldoon, who far outweighed other institutions to which she had applied.

On returning to the US, exhausted after her MA studies - or so she thought - she was diagnosed with leukaemia.

“It was a massive shock, and the only symptoms I had were tiredness and then bruising,” Bethany explained.

And, just when she thought it couldn’t get any worse, complications left her fully paralysed and in a coma for three weeks and in hospital for three months.

Family support, particularly from mum Susan, who took the three months off work to be with Bethany throughout the hospital stay, played a major part in her recovery.

“Without that, I don’t think I could have made it,” said Bethany. “She was my biggest advocate.”

Dad Tom and older brother Aaron also played a key part in Bethany’s recovery while keeping everyday life on track.

An intensive physical rehabilitation followed, during which Bethany had to re-learn, among many other things, how to walk, talk, and even swallow.

It was during her recovery – and much to her surprise, because she had no recollection of applying - she found out she had a place to study for a PhD at Lancaster University.

“That was magical,” said Bethany. “And I made it my goal there and then to walk up the steps of the plane unassisted and without a cane.”

And, in October 2015, a determined Bethany stepped off the plane unaided and returned to Lancaster.

However, a host of unforeseen medical complications meant it took Bethany until March this year to complete her PhD in Victorian Literature.

“I was diagnosed with a heart condition partway through,” she explained, “and this meant I had to put in place a lot of support systems.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the support I received at Lancaster University, particularly from Lecturer Dr Jo Carruthers, who was steadfast and compassionate when I needed that, Student Wellbeing Officer for Graduate College Anna Lewis, Graduate College’s Manager Jane Hulland, and the then Department of English Literature and Creative Writing as a whole.

“So many people at Lancaster University made my journey possible for me, including the amazing Porters, who also put up with me when I was stressed and needing to meet a deadline.”

She also praised the ‘Buddy Programme’ for international students, which pairs incoming international students with students who have been in Lancaster for at least a year to help newer international students settle in.

Bethany worked with the University team to get the scheme off the ground and running, first in the Graduate College, then in Grizedale and Cartmel Colleges, culminating in the programme becoming available across all nine of the University’s colleges.

“It was a difficult job, but I really enjoyed it,” said Bethany. “Students are paired by hobby so they can go out and do things together, creating special memories and friendships.”

And it was just before the pandemic that Bethany made her own special friendship with Data Analyst Michael, from Leeds, whom she met online. They got engaged the following year and married the year after.

The couple have settled in Lancaster, and Bethany runs Pemberton Proofreading, her own freelance proofreading business for students and academics.

“Lancaster has absolutely been a home away from home,” added Bethany. “I miss my family and I’m so glad that they were able to fly over to share another special moment with me during graduation, Lancaster and the University have definitely shaped who I am and my mission going forward.”

Graduate College Manager Jane Hulland said: “I was so thrilled to see Beth crossing the stage to receive her PhD this week – she has done so much for the college and other postgraduates during her time here.

“Even after moving off campus and facing all the hurdles she has, she has continued to offer her time and support at college activities and events. I wish her all the success in the world, as she truly deserves it, and I cannot wait to see what her future brings.”