Father-daughter duo graduate together in same subject

A father-daughter duo are "incredibly proud" of each other after studying and graduating as mental health nurses together.

Simon Reynolds and daughter Emily Franklin both graduated with a registered nurse degree apprenticeship from the University Centre Somerset in October and now work as mental health nurses at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

Franklin is with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Reynolds works in an intensive dementia unit.

Mum-of-two Franklin, 31, said studying alongside her dad was something she would "always hold very close to her heart".

"We have always had a really close relationship, so when we were studying, it was nice just to have somebody who understood the hard times that come with it, and the work-life balance.

"It's just brought a whole new dynamic to our relationship," she said.

Reynolds has worked for the NHS for 20 years, supporting younger adults, children, and those in psychiatric intensive care. He said returning to school later in life was "terrifying".

"There were a couple of times I nearly quit the course, but with Emily's support, and the cohort I was with, we talked through it.

"Having her there was a fantastic bonus. What she's achieved, and raising two children as well... it's hard to put it into words, but I'm a super proud dad," Reynolds said.

Franklin said she was "incredibly proud" of her father for pushing through his anxieties while being so open and honest about how hard it was.

She said anyone who thought they could be too old to start something new, like her dad, should remember age is just a number.

"Once you find something you love doing, you're not too old to learn... [and] make something better for yourself, she said.

She added she loved the sense of helping people the job gave her.

"Just five minutes spent with someone struggling can make a massive difference to their day," she said.

Jez Eagle, a ward manager at Rydon mental health inpatient ward in Taunton, said the whole team was "incredibly proud" of everything the pair had achieved.

"It's been a real privilege to watch them develop and support them on their journey," she added.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.