A COWDENBEATH man who was on his deathbed with necrotizing fasciitis and later developed alcoholism has overcome his challenges and gained a law degree from Abertay University.

The family of William Murphy, now 52, was told to prepare for the worst when he succumbed to the flesh-eating virus that ravaged his body.

He recalled: “It all happened in the space of one weekend.

"I went from a happy, healthy person to my family being called to the hospital and a priest reading me my last rites.”

After the initial operation to save his life, William faced nine further procedures and although he survived, the trauma severely affected his mental health and led to a battle with the bottle.

He used alcohol as a coping mechanism and said: “After going through so much my drinking became problem drinking and I knew I had to give it up.

“I needed to make a positive change and pursue what I’ve always wanted to do.”

William left school at the age of 15 with no qualifications but always felt he was capable of much more.

Following school, he began a 25-year career in sales and started a family.

His world changed forever when he was struck down by necrotising fasciitis in 2012 but while in recovery he decided to enrol in an access to law course at college, which helped him gain a place to study at Abertay University.

But his challenges were far from over.

On just his second day of university his father unexpectedly passed away, and his mother was diagnosed with lung cancer a year into his course.

He decided to reach out to staff to see how they could help him.

William said: “My lecturers and the support staff at university were fantastic during this difficult time.

"They really encouraged me to keep going with my course whilst helping me catch up with work when grieving and caring for my mum.”

He managed to get back on track but began to struggle, like so many did, with their mental health when the pandemic hit.

William added: “I felt like giving up. I felt so isolated during the pandemic.

"However, my lecturers and tutors kept in regular contact and refused to let me give up on myself.

“I am so grateful to them because I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my dream of obtaining a law degree without their help.”

William will join hundreds of fourth year students from Abertay in a virtual graduation ceremony on Thursday.

And he said he couldn’t recommend the university enough to prospective students: “Abertay University took a chance on me and helped me fulfil a lifelong wish.

“If you’re thinking about attending university, just go for it, who knows what you can achieve?

“I’m now so excited for what comes next.”

Professor Annelize McKay, head of division for law at Abertay, said: “I am absolutely thrilled with what William has achieved here during his time at Abertay.

“He has faced more challenges than most will in their life and has gone on to flourish and reach his goals.

“I would like to wish William and all of our graduates the very best for the future and I can’t wait to see what they will go on to achieve.”