Selfless 86-year-old student is a true diamond

One of the University of Sheffield's oldest ever students has been nominated for a national award, supported by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Graham Bell, 86, of Handsworth is studying French through the Institute of Lifelong Learning (TILL) at the University and will be 90 when he graduates.

The retired steel worker and Royal Navy D-Day veteran has been nominated for the Diamond Champions scheme that honours unsung heroes over 60 for their selfless voluntary work.

In between his studies Graham volunteers for many charities and has helped to raise more than £10,000 for several local organisations including Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind and Brunswick Gardens Retirement Village in Woodhouse.

Graham, who has three children and six grandchildren, was shocked to be nominated for the prestigious accolade.

He said: "There is something about the word volunteer – whenever I see it I feel the need to put my name forward. It came as a bit of a shock to discover I had been nominated, it is quite an honour.

"As well as helping children to read at school I also support elderly people at the gym four times a week – I make sure they don't fall off the treadmills and ensure they behave themselves. And I do a bit of training at the same time"

At the age of 60 Graham ran the London Marathon in the impressive time of three hours 40 minutes. He continues to run every day and will be once again taking part in the Great Yorkshire Run on 2 September 2012 , in aid of Support Dogs, a Sheffield based assistance dogs charity who bring independence and improved quality of life to people whose lives are restricted by physical disabilities, severe epilepsy and autism.

Graham added: "I really enjoy running although I am a bit slower these days. I like facing new challenges and I like to have something new to conquer."

Never too old to learn

Graham, who was awarded an MBE six years ago, began studying French through TILL in 2008. TILL gives people who previously ruled out higher education the chance to study alongside their existing work commitments, family and other responsibilities. Evening classes, weekend sessions, independent and online modules and flexible programmes give people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to allow their abilities to flourish.

Graham said: "I have been obsessed with French all of my life and I thoroughly enjoy my studies at the University of Sheffield. I currently have two essays to write - one regarding Brittany which is 2,000 words and one on a French film which is 2,500 words. I have to make sure I do some reading every day to keep on top of my studies.

"I am always the oldest person in the classes but everyone is so supportive, especially my tutors. I will be 90 when I graduate – that's if I am still alive!"

Dr Sophie Bélot, Programme Director from TILL said: "When Graham signed up for our TILL course he brought with him his lifelong passion for French language and culture, which he has successfully managed to develop into a formal qualification. Graham is an outstanding example for people who want to share and cultivate their interests whilst gaining a university Degree, no matter what their stage of life."

To find out more about TILL visit the next open day event on Wednesday 12 September 2012, between 12 noon and 7pm. Between 12 noon and 3pm TILL will host interactive taster sessions to give anyone interested in furthering their education a chance to experience what is on offer.

Between 3pm and 7pm visitors can talk individually to TILL course leaders about their of choice. Discover more about the flexibility of studying through TILL and the financial support available for adult learners.

For more information visit www.sheffield.ac.uk or contact: 0114 222 7000,