AN ALVECHURCH woman who gave up her career as a solicitor to train as a teacher to try and improve the lives of young offenders is jetting off to Ghana to help children learn English.
Julie Turley – a mother of six and grandmother to another six – is currently studying for a postgraduate diploma in education at the University of Warwick while doing her teaching practice at Heart of Worcester College in Redditch.
“I never thought I would be undertaking such a challenge at the age of 52 but I am very excited about it,” said the Alvechurch mum, who had her family first and has worked as a florist and taxi driver before embarking on life as a legal eagle.
“I went to the University of Birmingham to do my law degree when I was 38. I think it’s never too late to do anything – you never feel any older inside and your brain doesn’t go wrinkly,” said Julie.
However, it was while she was working as a solicitor, and getting involved with the homeless charity St Basil’s, that she realised how important education was in giving people the best possible start in life.
“The lack of education in some young people is a real stumbling block for them and I thought here was an opportunity to do something about it,” she said.
She duly applied for teacher training and has now been offered the chance to teach in Ghana for four weeks, with classes up to 120 strong.
“I’m the oldest swinger in town on the course and I can’t wait to go,” said Julie.
And what of her family? “They’re kind of used to me doing something a little less ordinary but I think my partner Peter thought I’d pushed the boat out a bit far this time, but they’re right behind me,” she said. “I feel I’m a very lucky lady.”
To help fund her trip, Julie has pledged to raise £1,000 by June 24 and has set up a Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/Julie-Hurlston
She will also be holding a quiz night at the Alvechurch Social Club on May 28 from 7pm.
