Policing graduate defies the odds to become frontline police officer

Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

A determined Policing graduate has defied the odds to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a frontline police officer – after recovering from a tumour on his spinal cord.

Osian Morris, who graduated from Wrexham University’s Professional Policing degree course back in 2022, has recently celebrated ‘passing out’ after completing his training with North Wales Police.

His journey in becoming a frontline officer has been one of determination and grit, overcoming immense hurdles after being diagnosed with a tumour on his spinal cord during his first year of university, back in 2018.

Osian, 24, had surgery to remove the tumour but following the operation, lost all feeling in his legs and became wheelchair-bound.

In order to focus on his rehabilitation and recovery, Osian took a year out before resuming his studies the following year, and from that point continued to make strong progress and on graduating from university, secured a full-time role in North Wales Police’s control room.

Over the past 18 months, Osian has regained feeling in his legs, no longer needs a wheelchair — and today, he's a newly qualified officer.

Speaking about his experience, Osian said: “It’s not been the easiest road to get to where I am now and there have been some really hard and also, quite scary times along the way but it feels brilliant to have celebrated the completion of my training.

“Training went really well – it definitely got more intense as the weeks went on but that was to be expected. I’m excited to now start my career as a frontline officer – it’s all I’ve wanted to do since as long as I can remember.

“There was a time when I didn’t know whether I’d ever be able to walk again, so this feels like an even greater milestone for me.”

Reflecting on his time at university, Osian said: “I was only a few months into my degree when I was diagnosed and then needed to take time out to recover – and as hard as that time was, I felt supported by the University throughout, and my lecturers were amazing.

“Not only were they incredibly supportive but they were also extremely knowledgeable and I loved listening to their stories from when they were in the police.”

Andy Crawford, Senior Lecturer in Professional Policing at Wrexham University, added: “Osian’s attitude and journey has been nothing short of inspirational – he’s overcome the greatest of challenges and has now achieved his ambition of becoming a frontline officer.

“His resilience and positive approach will no doubt put him in great stead for his policing career, and all of us at Wrexham University, are enormously proud of him. Congratulations, Osian.”

Photo caption: Wrexham University Professional Policing graduate, Osian Morris pictured with Chief Constable of North Wales Police, Amanda Blakeman.