73-year-old Danny Davey has been offered a creative writing and walking holiday in the Peak District after passing his English GCSE, 59 years after leaving school at 14.
The big picture: Davey's academic achievement has not only fulfilled a lifelong ambition but also caught the attention of UK holiday company HF Holidays, who invited him and his wife to a creative writing retreat in the tiny village of Thorpe, less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones.
Why it matters: This story highlights the value of lifelong learning and shows it's never too late to pursue education or new skills.
Key details:
Davey passed his maths GCSE in 2016 and has now added English to his achievements.
He won a short story competition as part of his exam preparation.
HF Holidays offered Davey a place on their Creative Writing and Walking Holiday in February.
The retreat will take place at HF Holidays' own country house, The Peveril of the Peak, set in the rolling hills of the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border.
Danny will join others in creative writing workshops, guided walks, and one-to-one sessions with a published author.
What they're saying: Louise Haywood, senior marketing manager at HF Holidays, said, "We're always looking for advocates of learning a new skill, trying something new for the first time, having that zest for life that Danny really has."
Davey said, "I never wrote until I started [Suffolk New College] in September last year. It's 59 years since I went to school. On seeing my GCSE result, I generally felt emotional. I'm amazed.
"Everyone needs a purpose – and there is nothing better than going back to learning.
"I am very, very grateful. It's maybe a first step to getting a little tuition in creative writing, which is my goal. When I was young I used to read a lot of short stories, and I always thought I'd like to do that one day."
The bottom line: Davey's story serves as an inspiration to others considering returning to education or pursuing new interests later in life. Enjoy the holiday, Danny!
