Salford Nursing Alum shares inspiring journey to qualification at graduation

Lachlan Ames graduated in 2025 and now works as a Surgical Staff Nurse at the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. He began his nursing journey aged just 18, when he enrolled as an Apprentice Nursing Assistant within the NHS during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Lachlan was the first person in his family to attend university and grew up in a working-class community where university attendance wasn’t the norm.

“University didn’t always feel accessible or expected.” Lachlan said.

“When I first arrived at Salford, I carried a lot of self-doubt with me.

“I worried about whether I was good enough, clever enough, or whether I truly belonged in spaces like this.

“But one of the beautiful things about university is that it slowly changes the way you see yourself.

“For me, Salford became much more than a place to study – it became a place where I learned resilience, independence, and confidence, although admittedly I also learned how little sleep a student nurse can survive on!”

Throughout his training, Lachlan had to balance already demanding clinical work alongside significant personal health challenges, including managing Type 1 Diabetes and experiencing vitreous bleeds that temporarily left him blind.

“Unfortunately, during my first placement of 3rd year, I developed a complication called Diabetic Retinopathy, which is a sight-threatening complication caused by type 1 diabetes.

“Thankfully, with the support of the university, lecturers & personal tutors, and classmates (with 2 surgeries later), my sight was restored, and I was able to graduate on time in December 2025.”

 Despite this, Lachlan continued to complete both his studies and clinical work to a high standard and with humility, and he is known for his incredible compassion, professionalism and commitment to patient care in his current role as a qualified nurse. From surviving placement shifts on caffeine to having to convince himself that he in fact did know the difference between all of his assignment deadlines, Lachlan shared that it was these moments, alongside the friendships forged along the way, that reminded him why he chose his profession.

“The most important thing I learned at Salford was not how to be a nurse; it was how life can change in so many ways. 

“I know I was not the only person who faced adversity during my studies, so many of my fellow student nurses faced all kinds of setbacks, yet I have seen and heard that all my classmates have gone on to achieve amazing things. 

“They truly taught me that you define your own destiny - no one can tell you what you’re made for, other than you.

“As the saying goes, “you can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs”. In essence, have fun, relax, and take your time - because there will be enough challenges to face post-grad.

“Be proud not only of where you ended up, but of everything it took to get here.”

As the Class of 2026 graduated, Lachlan was there to cheer them on. Addressing one of the University of Salford’s graduation ceremonies last week, he shared his inspiring journey, leaving students with the sentiment that, “you do belong in the rooms that you walk into, even when your inner voice tells you that you don’t.”