Since starting his LLM Law last September, Mark has also officially adopted and homeschooled his teenager who has autism, ran his bookkeeping practice, trained to become an accredited mediator, and managed severe aortic stenosis – a heart condition which he is awaiting surgery for after receiving the news he requires medical intervention midway through the academic year.

Despite the workload and personal challenges, Mark has achieved a Merit and, as a 56-year-old who took what he describes as a “career diversion” when he closed his courier company in 2019, has proved to himself that he can still take on and apply new knowledge. Having gained theoretical and practical experience of law, Mark also feels confident he can make a success of his bookkeeping practice, which will become his full-time focus post-graduation, and will be looking for mediation opportunities in West Yorkshire, as he utilises the knowledge and skills he has gained.

Mark said: “It has been a balancing act. My wife and I have managed to handle the homeschooling between us, and my heart condition has caused some tiredness at times, but it hasn’t gotten me down too much. I’m on medication for it ahead of my operation, but luckily, I’d managed to finish my dissertation and other University work before any side effects kicked in. There were times when things weren’t going smoothly and I was getting frustrated, but it could have been a lot worse than it was. I’ve also had fun along the way, and I knew the support was there from the University if I needed it. As the saying goes, it’s onwards and upwards now, and my time at Leeds Trinity has provided me with the confidence I need to go for it with my business, as well as a better knowledge of the business side of law and the structure of companies, which will help me when dealing with clients who are just starting out in a new business venture.”

The LLM is the second award Mark has earned at Leeds Trinity, having also completed an undergraduate degree in Accounting and Business in 2022. “I’ve loved both degrees I’ve completed here,” Mark said. “The lecturers are fantastic, the atmosphere is so friendly, and everybody seems to know each other, which makes it a great place to be. Not only did the undergraduate degree aid me in starting my business by providing hands-on working knowledge and experience, but the modules I completed in my first year were enough for me to become a registered bookkeeper without the need for further exams.”

Nigel Pitchford, Lecturer in Law, said: “Mark has been an outstanding student in so many ways; from regular contributions in sessions through to the submission of high-quality work for assessment. He was always able to apply the theory of law to practical situations, which he did in extracurricular activities such as Mooting competitions, and helped guide fellow students through issues. Above all else, Mark remained positive throughout to achieve his degree and his story serves as an inspiration to us all.”

Law at Leeds Trinity University is ranked ninth in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

For more information on courses available in the Law School, visit the University’s Law webpage.