Ex-Marine’s taxi job pays for his studies
BY JAMES MONCUR j.moncur@dailyrecord.co.uk A FORMER commando has graduated from university after driving a taxi for nine years to pay for his studies.
Matt Jones – who served as a Royal Marine for 12 years – wants to become a TV documentary maker.
The father of three got behind the wheel of a cab every night in Edinburgh to fund the course and buy equipment.
He honed his interviewing skills by talking to customers including Angus Deayton, Paul Merton and other famous passengers.
Matt’s dedication paid off this week when he graduated from Napier University with a First Class BA (Honours) in Television.
The 51-year-old said: “Colleagues often ask where I find my energy, and sometimes I have to ask myself the same thing, especially at 4am when I have forgotten to go to bed.
“Perhaps my endurance and resilience comes from my 12 years as a commando.
“Taxi driving and interacting with customers also allowed me to refine my interview skills.
“I occasionally picked up customers from the TV and film world, including Angus Deayton, Ian Lavender, Paul Merton, Alexei Sayle, Ruth Madoc and Steven Berkoff, who had an influence on my chosen career.”
Matt, from Longniddry, East Lothian, joined the Commandos as a teenager and saw active service in Northern Ireland and the Gulf.
Dr Kirsten MacLeod of Napier University said: “Matt has been a committed student who has really made the most of his time to expand his knowledge and skills and gain work experience.”