Latest news with #EdinburghNapierUniversity
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Napier student confronts health challenges and graduates with first class honours
A young woman who overcame autism and chronic seizures to complete her studies is now working to help others facing similar challenges. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Business Management student Emma Sullivan feels like she has achieved the impossible after she graduated with first class honours from Edinburgh Napier University earlier this month. Now 22, it was three years ago that she began experiencing convulsive episodes which became increasingly intense and unpredictable. Months of tests and appointments eventually led to a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Emma Sullivan graduated with first class honours in Business Management from Napier University. | supplied Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After carefully balancing the condition with her studies, Emma has been formally presented with her degree at the Usher Hall – where she paid tribute to her parents for their support. Equipped with her new qualification, she now hopes to raise awareness of conditions like hers, while championing disability advocacy and support. Emma said: 'The weekend before starting second year I experienced two out of control 'episodes', which I didn't know were seizures at the time. After undergoing a couple of tests they were unable to detect any abnormalities and it was put down to stress. 'I continued to have these 'episodes' every few weeks. They were becoming more intense and I would be very disorientated before and after them. It took around seven months to finally have an explanation of what I was going through.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad FND affects how the brain processes signals, with symptoms including seizures, fatigue and pain. Treatments focus on managing and improving the condition through rehabilitation therapy. Emma added: 'Once I had the diagnosis it helped to give some clarity, but I still had to learn how to adapt to this new reality. Other things in my life needed to take a back seat. 'During flare-ups I was having multiple seizures a day, which was both physically and mentally exhausting. Through neuropsychology appointments I learned that pacing myself was extremely important, and this has really helped me to continue my studies. "Alongside the seizures I would also experience limb and muscle weakness, muscle spasms, chronic pain, fatigue and dissociation.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Two months before her first seizures Emma had also been diagnosed with autism. "Alongside navigating this new, massive health change, I was also coming to terms with what the autism diagnosis meant for me. It has been a lot to process during the past few years,' she added. Emma's degree dissertation focused on the impact working from home can have on autistic employees – findings from which were shared at Napier's ENclusion conference in May. FND at a glance Symptoms: Seizures, numbness, tingling, pain, memory problems, movement disorders, difficulty concentrating Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Causes: FND is believed to be related to how the brain processes information and signals, potentially involving disruptions in networks Diagnosis: FND is diagnosed based on a thorough neurological examination, including a review of symptoms and a physical exam Treatment: Treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical and psychologi- cal therapies, medications and education Stress: While stress can be a trigger or exacerbating factor, it is not the sole cause of FND. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Prevalence: FND is surprisingly common, with some studies suggesting it affects a significant portion of patients attending neurology clinics
STV News
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Tree of the Year: Scottish sycamore and ash make top ten shortlist
Two Scottish trees have been shortlisted for the coveted UK Tree of the Year competition. The Woodland Trust announced the shortlist of ten of the UK's best trees on Monday, including not one, but two in Scotland. Edinburgh's famous Wilfred Owen Sycamore, which is over 100 years old, made the shortlist. The tree, which sits at the entrance of Edinburgh Napier University, has a rich history connected to famed war poet Wilfred Owen. The site where the tree is planted was formerly a military psychiatric hospital, known as Craiglockhart War Hospital, and in 1917, Owen was sent here, having suffered shell-shock on the Western Front. Allan Shedlock/Woodland Trust Violinist and actor Thoren Ferguson using the violin made from the Wilfred Owen Sycamore tree in Edinburgh. He met Siegfried Sassoon at the hospital, who became his literary mentor and encouraged him to write. The Woodland Trust said the pair may have sat beneath this sycamore in the hospital grounds during their rehabilitation. When a large branch of the tree was removed for safety reasons in 2014, local instrument maker Steve Burnett crafted a violin from the wood to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the war's outbreak and honour Owen's memory. The violin has one of Owen's poems inscribed inside it and has been played at many concerts and events. Also included in the list is Glasgow's over 175-year-old ash tree on Argyle Street. Tree Wise Urban Forestry/Woodland Trust The lone Argyle Street Ash is a much-loved local landmark. The tree, also known locally as The Lone Tree of Finnieston or The Only Tree on Argyle Street, stands alongside the tenements on one of the city's busiest streets. In recognition of its cultural and ecological value to the city, the tree was the first in Glasgow to be protected by a tree preservation order. In his 1935 book, From Glasgow's Treasure Chest, James Cowan records it as 'a very tall ash tree, its highest branches reaching far above the top windows of the tenement. It is quite the most graceful ash I have seen.' Belle and Sebastian's Stuart Murdoch is among the tree's more modern admirers: 'It must have good genes to have made it. It's hip now because it's in Finnieston, but I say it was always cool.' Scottish trees have proven popular in the competition, with the Skipinnish Oak of Lochaber in Scotland winning UK Tree of the Year in 2024. Voting is open now and closes on September 19, with the winning tree announced on September 26. The winner will go on to represent the UK in the next European Tree of the Year competition. The Borrowdale Yews, Seathwaite, Cumbria King of Limbs, Savernake Forest, Wiltshire Wilfred Owen Sycamore, Edinburgh Tree of Peace and Unity, Dunadry Hotel, Antrim Lollipop Tree, Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire The Beatles' cedar tree, Chiswick House and Gardens Knole Park oak, Knole Park, Kent Bradgate Park's oldest oak, Leicester Lonely Tree, Llyn Padarn, Llanberis Argyle Street ash, Glasgow Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Edinburgh Reporter
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Edinburgh International Jazz & Blues Festival is underway with Carnival on Sunday
The 2025 Edinburgh International Jazz & Blues Festival has begun with a packed programme in venues all over the city including The Famous Spiegeltent in St Andrew Square. Browse the programme and find something to go to from now until 20 July – or get on down to Princes Street on Sunday for the free Carnival which takes place from 1 to 6.30pm in West Princes Street Gardens. Expect a riot of colour, dance and music. The weather is going to be hot and the entertainment will be vibrant. Venues include Currie Community Centre, Edinburgh Napier University, Leith Arches, Leith Dockers Club, Murrayfield Church, North Merchiston Club, Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, Ranch Community Centre, St Bride's Centre, St Bride's Centre Cafe, St Mark's Episcopal Church, The Jazz Bar, The Pitt, The Queen's Hall, Usher Hall and of course West Princes Street Gardens. Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival launched in the Famous Spiegeltent in St Andrew Square Pic Greg Macvean 10/07/2025 Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival launched in the Famous Spiegeltent in St Andrew Square Pic Greg Macvean 10/07/2025 Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival launched in the Famous Spiegeltent in St Andrew Square Pic Greg Macvean 10/07/2025 Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Ayrshire Paralympic basketballer awarded honorary doctorate
Three-time Paralympian Robyn Love was presented with an honorary doctorate at Edinburgh Napier University. A Paralympic athlete from Ayrshire has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the university that sparked her sporting career. Robyn Love, 34, from Ayr, took up wheelchair basketball while studying at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) 16 years ago before going on to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games and participating in three Paralympic Games. Today, Robyn was formally presented with the honorary doctorate during a graduation ceremony at Edinburgh's Usher Hall, celebrating alongside her fiancé and teammate Laurie Williams. Born with arthrogryposis, a condition affecting muscle development, Robyn took up basketball during her time at ENU, where she was Edinburgh Napier Students' Association vice president, captain of the women's basketball team and president of the LGBTQ+ society. Since graduating with a degree in biomedical science in 2013, Robyn was selected to go to the Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, captained Team Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and won silver and bronze medals at the European and World Championships. She has continued to champion equality and accessibility in her roles as a director at Basketball Scotland and an LGBTQ+ ambassador with the British Elite Athlete Association. Currently preparing to represent Scotland on home soil in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Robyn was proud to be chosen for the recognition. She said: 'I'm deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the very institution where my journey truly began. 'It was here that I first picked up a basketball and discovered wheelchair sport – a moment that sparked a decade-long career representing Great Britain on the international stage. 'Alongside my sporting journey, I've been proud to advocate for the LGBT community, striving to create spaces where everyone can be seen, valued and empowered to thrive – much like my experience at Edinburgh Napier. 'This honorary doctorate is not just a celebration of achievement, but a reminder of the power of education, opportunity, and inclusion to transform lives.' Presenting the degree, Professor Susan Brown, from ENU's school of applied sciences said: 'Robyn's story reflects ambition, professionalism, inclusivity and innovation – each a cornerstone of our university's values. 'She is a powerful role model for our graduates, reminding us that adversity can be a catalyst for greatness, and that leadership comes in many forms. 'Robyn has broken boundaries and redefined what is possible – not just for herself, but for the communities she represents. 'Her ambition drives her to excel, her professionalism is evident in her leadership and advocacy, inclusivity is at the heart of all she does, and her innovative spirit turns challenges into opportunities.'
Edinburgh Live
11-07-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh student opens up after 'scary incidents leave graduation in doubt'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh graduate has said she is 'incredibly proud' after graduating while going through a 'frightening' health ordeal. Emma Sullivan, 22, has left Edinburgh Napier University with a business management degree - something she felt might have been 'absolutely impossible'. In 2022, she began experiencing convulsive episodes which soon became 'intense and unpredictable'. After months of tests, she was given a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). While finishing university became a challenge, Emma was presented with her degree at the Usher Hall and paid tribute to her family for their support. Looking back on her university journey: "The weekend before starting second year I experienced two out of control 'episodes', which I didn't know were seizures at the time. "Me and my parents went to A&E as we could tell something was wrong. After undergoing a couple of tests they were unable to detect any abnormalities, and it was put down to stress. "I left the hospital feeling more confused than when I went in, as though I had wasted their time. I continued to have these 'episodes' every few weeks. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "They were becoming more intense, and I would be very disoriented before and after them." It took around seven months before Emma eventually got an explination for what she was going through. She was referred to a neurologist, who gave her an FND diagnosis. The condition affects how the brain processes signals, with symptoms including seizures, fatigue and pain. Emma added: "Once I had the diagnosis it helped to give some clarity, but I still had to learn how to adapt to this new reality. "Other things in my life needed to take a back seat. During flare ups I was having multiple seizures a day, which was both physically and mentally exhausting. "Through neuropsychology appointments I learned that pacing myself was extremely important, and this has really helped me to continue my studies. It was a constant concern whenever I was out of the house that I might have a seizure, which added an extra layer of stress to everyday activities." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Only months before her FND diagnosis, Emma was also diagnosed with autism. She was coming to terms with both at the same time, and admits it has been 'a lot to process'. She added: "There were many times during the past couple years that the thought of graduating and finishing my studies seemed absolutely impossible. "I am extremely proud of myself for getting to the stage, but I absolutely could not have done it without the love of my family. My mum and dad have been an incredible support and have been with me every step of this journey. "Although it has been incredibly difficult and challenging at times, these experiences have also helped me to grow in resilience, determination and strength. Planning for the future can be very difficult due to the unpredictability of my health, but I remain passionate about raising awareness about both chronic illnesses and autism."
