Stephen Wright

For Stephen, crossing the stage was about far more than a single day. It marked the culmination of decades of life, work, and learning.

Growing up in a working-class community in Manchester, Stephen had never expected university to be a part of his path. Yet decades later, he stands proudly as a Doctor of Philosophy, proof that it’s never too late to achieve something extraordinary. 

His thesis, ‘The Heart Has Its Reasons’, draws on several of his more recent published works and explores the relationship between spirituality, health, and contemplation - themes he has woven together throughout his academic and professional life. 

Stephen said: “It was about bringing together decades of research and writing, and then revisiting that work critically, seeing how it all connects and contributes to a coherent thesis. That synthesis became the heart of my PhD.” 

Although the idea of completing a PhD had once felt out of reach, encouragement from colleagues at the University of Cumbria reignited the possibility. Their support gave Stephen the confidence to take that first step. 

“I’d more or less given up on the idea of doing a PhD, thinking it was something that had passed me by. But with the support of colleagues, I decided to go for it. 

“The experience itself swung from being deeply fulfilling to, at times, terrifying. But I had incredible support - especially from my two supervisors, Reverend Dr. Sue Williams and Robert Williams. They kept me going.” 

Each month brought growth and learning. Submitting drafts, receiving feedback, and revisiting his work allowed Stephen to see his research in new ways. 

“Every month, I’d submit something, and it would be kindly critiqued. It forced me to look at my own work with fresh eyes. Sometimes I’d read something and think, ‘I don’t remember writing that!’ But then I’d realise, this is good work, this is valid”. 

Now, reflecting on the journey, Stephen has a message for others, particularly those who might think a PhD is out of reach. 

“It’s easy to get lost in the daily grind of studying, especially when it feels exasperating and frustrating. But my advice is: keep your eye on your intention, on where you’re heading, not necessarily where you are right now. Don’t give up. Follow your heart."

“To anyone of my generation or older, who thinks, ‘I’m too old for this,’ please know: you’re not. Don’t let age be a limitation. We don’t stop learning, growing, or achieving just because we’ve hit a certain number. I saw in myself how I’d internalised the idea that certain things weren’t for me because of my age. That’s nonsense. Go for it.”