Dundee graduate's Diploma presented by surgeon who saved her at birth

A University of Dundee student will collect her postgraduate diploma today from the surgeon who saved her life at her birth.

Sarah Beattie was born 14 weeks premature on 4 February 1986, weighing only 1lb 5oz. Lord Narendra Patel was the consultant obstetrician at Ninewells Hospital that day. He is now chancellor of the university.

Ms Beattie will collect her Diploma in Legal Practice, after graduating LLB last year from Dundee. It was then that her mother, Morag, realised their connection.

She said: “I couldn't believe it when I saw him at the Caird Hall and he was presenting Sarah with her cap.

“He was so fantastic with her when she was born and he’s someone we owe a lot to. There are not many happy stories of babies being born prematurely back in the 1980s, but Sarah was a fighter and it was all thanks to the care of Lord Patel and his team of dedicated nurses and doctors that she came through it.”

Her daughter added: “I am absolutely delighted to have finished my legal studies. I owe a lot to my family and friends who have supported me through the three years of law school.

“My mum has obviously told me about Lord Patel and everything he did for me, but I didn’t realise he would be at my graduation.

“I'm sure after all this time he won’t remember me and my family, but I’m sure he will be happy to know we still think of him to this day. I’m looking forward to meeting him again this year.”

She is now seeking a traineeship in order to further her legal career.