A former Marine is supporting Adult Learners’ week after he overcame a gambling problem.

Stuart Hughes, 34, from Gwernymynydd, struggled with gambling from the age of 18 and he said education helped him take control of his life and start a degree.

He left the Royal Marine in 2006 and gambling took over his life until he found help in a supported living scheme run by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association and took part in its in-house 12 week learning programme.

After completing the programme, Stuart was offered a job as a support worker with Clwyd Alyn and is working part-time towards a degree in psychology and counselling through the Open University.

He is supporting the Adult Learners’ Week 2018, which takes place from 18-24 June, to highlight opportunities to continue developing and learning new skills as an adult and celebrate the positive impact of adult education on skills and employability.

The Royal Marine said: “If someone had told me five years ago I’d be doing a degree, and have a career I love, I never would have believed them.

“I’m now able to provide for my four-year-old son Riley, make him proud and set a good example.

“Going back into education completely changed my life and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to give something back and help people going through many of the same issues I faced.

“Through education I’m happier, more confident and I can see a bright future ahead.”

Adult Learners’ Week is in its 27th year and it aims to promote the range of courses available to adult learners, from languages to computing or childcare to finance.