Student who has overcome a huge number of hurdles hails the fantastic support she has had on her journey

Sarah Lamarra gained her education the hard way.

The Dundee and Angus College student graduated with a Higher National Certificate in beauty yesterday.

However, the 34-year-old mum of two has had to overcome significant hurdles along the way.

Sarah’s husband, who served in the Royal Air Force, died seven years ago.

Having moved around the country as a military wife, she decided to settle in Dundee with sons Declan and Lewis following her husband’s death.

But after enrolling in a course at D&A College, Sarah suffered more heartache after her home went up in flames, leaving the family with nothing.

Undeterred, she went on to set up her own business, Envy Her Beauty by Sarah, which is based at Dundee’s tattoo and piercing salon Ink Dolls.

As she celebrated her success at yesterday’s graduation ceremony at Dundee’s Caird Hall, the inspirational mum said: “No matter what age you are and what life throws at you, take a day at a time and go forward.

“I decided I wasn’t getting any younger and life was too short to not do what I wanted to do. I have always been Lisa Davies, 37, gave up fulltime work to pursue a higher national certificate in social services.

The mum of two is now studying towards a BA Honours degree in social work at Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University.

Lisa, pictured, said: “College gave me confidence and the belief in myself to go on to higher education.

“It was an amazing experience and I will never forget the support and inspiration of the lecturers.” interested in beauty and fashion so I thought I would take the plunge.

“I got great support from my fellow students and college lecturers and continued with my studies while also teaching beauty at an independent beauty academy.

“My boys inspire me to give them the best in life and I am so lucky to have a support network of friends and family and a good partner who always believes in me.

“In life there are more smiles.” Earlier this month Sarah was awarded trainer of the year for lash courses at the Beauty Academy Awards in Glasgow. She now hopes to launch her own brand of lashes.

A 1,500-strong audience of friends and family watched 450 proud graduates take centre stage yesterday afternoon.

The students qualified with a range of Higher National programmes such as HNC, HND or BA degree.

Retired British athlete and motivational speaker Derek Redmond hosted the ceremony.

He previously won gold medals in the 4x400 metres relay at the World Championships and European Championships.