As a child, Peter Farrelly was bullied at school because of his weight and left with no qualifications - on Thursday he graduated from Queen's University with a First Class Honours degree.
In April 2015, Peter weighed 23 stone, but decided to embark on a wellness journey which would change his life.
The 31-year-old West Belfast man lost nearly 13 stone within 10 months.
He said: "On 1st of May 2015 I began a journey that changed my life.
"Within 10 months I lost nearly 13 stone (178lbs). I decided I wanted to return to education and in January 2016 I started to self-study five GCSEs as an independent student.
"In September 2016 my confidence had grown so that much and I started attending Belfast Met to undertake three A-levels within one year.
"I achieved top grades and gained my place to study at Queen's, which I then started in September 2017."
Speaking about his experience at uni, Peter said the team at Queen's University Belfast helped him to settle in.
He added: “[They were] fantastically supportive to me.
"They made it easy for me to settle despite being a mature student with little confidence.
"All of my lecturers and tutors were always willing to offer me kind advice along the way that allowed me to improve and gave me the confidence to achieve grades I was aiming for.
"The resources at Queen’s are second to none. From the fantastic McClay Library, to the learning and development team, to the fantastic staff in the Schools and to the other services offered such as careers advice, I could not have received better support. I thank everyone so much."
Peter celebrated his big day at home surrounded by family, due to the Coronavirus restrictions.
He graduated with a First Class Honours degree BA (Hons) in History and Sociology from the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics.
And looking back at how far he has come, he said to have graduated feels "surreal".
He added: "Five years ago, I was home-bound with zero confidence in myself.
"Now I have a First Class Honours degree and have accepted an offer to study a Master’s in history at Queen’s in September. I just cannot wait to get started.
"I hope to apply for a PhD at Queen's in the future and my dream is to maybe one day become an academic. I hope to offer people similar advice and support as to what I have received from the great staff at Queen’s."
