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Greg Christie

Regional award winner

Greg was told aged five that he was 'backward and would never amount to anything'. Leaving school without qualifications  Greg never thought of an academic future. The turning point came in 1995 when he became disabled after a serious work accident.

In 1997, his now late wife, Elaine, gave him 'the Flying Yorkshireman' by Eric Knight (author of the 'Lassie' books). Greg  studied Knight’s life story independently for four years. After presenting his research he was accepted, aged 49, on a part-time English Literature degree at York St John.

Greg’s educational achievements have been outstanding. In 2005 he gained a BA Honours degree in English Literature and won a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship to Yale University. In 2010 he completed a Masters in Contemporary Art Practice. He regularly gives seminars in the US on Eric Knight.

Greg’s nominator says 'It’s not just Greg’s academic success that stands out but his sense of humour, positivity, dedication and innovation. He has worked to share his story with prospective students to encourage them that anything is possible.'

Yorkshire & Humber Adult Learners' Week is coordinated by Involve Yorkshire & Humber. Adult Learners' Week Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the life-changing learning done by people in communities all over Yorkshire and Humber, and the central role of the voluntary and community sector in supporting learning.

'It’s not just Greg’s academic success that stands out but his sense of humour, positivity, dedication and innovation. He has worked to share his story with prospective students to encourage them that anything is possible.'

Nominated by
Brett Arnall
York St John University