After enduring two harrowing battles with breast cancer, a determined mother of four has turned the page to pursue her long-held aspiration of becoming a primary school teacher. Carol Kennett, 46, faced life-altering challenges in 2019 and again in 2022 when she was twice diagnosed with breast cancer, requiring intense treatments each time.

Throughout these difficult years, Kennett underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a mastectomy, and a lumpectomy—all while navigating life as a single parent. Despite the adversity, she remained resolute in her ambition. In 2024, she made the bold decision to leave her previous job and pursue a Primary PGCE teaching course, setting her sights on a career in education.

Having successfully graduated from Edge Hill University, Kennett is now embarking on her new journey, taking on supply teaching roles in primary schools to gain valuable experience in her chosen field.

Reflecting on her tumultuous journey from her home in Bury, Greater Manchester, Kennett recounted the overwhelming shock of her cancer diagnoses, particularly as she did not carry the genetic marker for breast cancer and had no family history of the disease.

Carol, from Bury, Greater Manchester, said she navigated an exceptionally challenging time following her cancer diagnoses in 2019 and 2022. 

She explained: “I did not carry the inherited breast cancer gene, nor did anyone in my family, so the diagnosis came as a complete shock. 

“Over those years, I underwent an intensive course of treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a mastectomy, and a lumpectomy. 

“During this incredibly challenging time, I also became a single parent. The toll of the treatments deeply affected my self-confidence and I often felt left behind. For five years, my life felt as though it had been put on pause.” 

In 2024, she decided to make a life-changing decision and follow a long-held dream of becoming a primary school teacher. 

At the time Carol worked as a digital skills tutor and decided to take “a leap of faith” and handed her notice in and enrolled on a Primary PGCE course. 

The proximity of Edge Hill’s Ormskirk campus to her home in Bury enabled her to manage fatigue and balance her home life while pursuing her studies. 

She added: “I was initially worried about how I would manage my energy levels, especially during evening classes and placements. 

“However, I was supported every step of the way by my Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), who always took the time to listen and offer reassurance. 

“Whenever anxiety would arise, particularly around routine scans or mammograms, I knew I could turn to them for understanding and support. Allowing me to take extra breaks if needed.”

Carol’s studies have not been plain sailing, not least caring for her four children, aged between nine and 29. But she’s taken the challenges of the past 12 months in her stride. 

During her time at Edge Hill, Carol carried out placements at several primary schools and felt extremely supported by her mentors, she really enjoyed her time at Moorgate Primary School Bolton and Butterstile Primary School in Prestwich. 

And the unwavering support she received from the University and her tutors was instrumental in Carol rebuilding her confidence and discovering a new lease of life. 

She added: “This course has allowed me to reclaim my sense of purpose and look toward the future with hope. 

“I feel empowered and positive. The course has allowed me to reclaim my sense of purpose and look toward to the future with hope. 

“I’ve achieved my dream of becoming a teacher, and now I’m ready to keep building on that dream, one step at a time.” 

Carol is currently completing her Masters in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, part-time at Edge Hill while working for Salford Supply Desk and getting more experience in different primary schools. 

She went on: “As we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to tell anyone on that journey to keep fighting. It gets better, and I’m proof that you can overcome it and thrive. 

“One important factor in all of this is that my children understand that whatever happens in life, we can keep moving forward with the right help and support.”