A FAMILY from Northwich organised a family graduation for their son after his official ceremony at Chester Cathedral was cancelled due to Covid.

Harry Molyneux, from Sandiway, was looking forward to his ceremony on April 21 after passing his Higher National Certificate in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, but was disappointed when it was cancelled.

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Mum Tracey, who works as an advanced practitioner for the NHS, didn't want to let the achievement go unrecognised so arranged a private ceremony at the family's local church.

She said: "Harry was very disappointed to miss his planned celebration due to lockdown.

"We are so proud of his achievements and were sad to see yet another celebration pass him by.

"Therefore a plan was formed to see if we could arrange for a graduation ceremony.

"We contacted the local church in Sandiway and they kindly agreed to open the church at 6pm on the same date (April 21) for Harry to have a family graduation instead.

"We hired him a cap and gown from Churchill’s gown hire who kindly included a white scroll and ribbon for our home made celebration ceremony.

"It was originally intended as a surprise but he needed a haircut and as he works away a lot, I needed to be sure he was able to come home."

Due to covid restrictions still being in place, the event was attended by 12 of Harry's family members, and also his neighbour George Morrow, who was also on photograph duties.

"We were so grateful to Sue Hadden for opening up Sandiway church for us.

"We also had a very good friends of ours, Ste Hitchmough, who arranged for a work placement in the power industry and kindly agreed to present the certificate," Tracey added.

"Harry now has job working on the super grid for power in the UK."

Northwich Guardian: Harry Molyneux's parents organised a private graduation for him at their local church in Sandiway after his official ceremony was cancelled.

Harry Molyneux's parents organised a private graduation for him at their local church in Sandiway after his official ceremony was cancelled. 

21-year-old Harry, who is currently working in the power industry as a technician, said he was so thankful to his parents for going to such an effort to mark his milestone achievement.

"I'd just really like to thank them both so much and also the church for letting us use the building," he said.

"I had to complete the remainder of HNC from home during lockdown.

"Although there was actually an organised virtual graduation for all students, but it wasn't the same obviously.

"It was basically just a slide show presented by our lecturer.

"It was obviously better than nothing, but it wasn't ideal."

Northwich Guardian: Ste Hitchmough project Engineer for Electricity Northwest presenting the certificate to Harry.

Ste Hitchmough project Engineer for Electricity Northwest presenting the certificate to Harry.

The added bonus of having a specially organised graduation meant Harry could also enjoy the occasion with more family that would normally be allowed at a graduation ceremony.

He said: "Normally you'd only be allowed two family members at a graduation ceremony.

"So it was nice to have all my family there and especially my mum as it was her birthday too.

"The church is only round the corner from where we live, so we all headed to the Bluebell and managed to get a seat by the fire, we were able to celebration it nicely.

"My mum missed out on her 50th last year because of lockdown, so it was extra special to be able to celebrate alongside her."