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Double celebration for graduation day proposal

University of Worcester A woman in a blue and black graduation cloak and black hat. She has blonde hair and is holding her hands on her face in shock. A man with shaved head, glasses and a brown beard is down on one knee holding a ring box. He is wearing a navy blue suit. University of Worcester
Jacob Thomas proposed to his girlfriend Erin Boddice on the steps of Worcester Cathedral

A primary school teacher was in disbelief after receiving a surprise proposal moments before her graduation ceremony.

Erin Boddice had two reasons to celebrate as she accepted her Primary Initial Teacher Education degree at the University of Worcester with an engagement ring on her hand.

She attended the ceremony at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday when her partner of three years, Jacob Thomas, got down on one knee.

University of Worcester's 2024 graduation ceremonies took place between September 9 and September 13.

University of Worcester A man standing on the left. he is bald, with circle framed glasses and a brown beard and moustache. He is smiling standing with his hands in his pockets. He is wearing a dark blue suit, white shirt and a pink tie, with a silver tie pin. A woman standing next to him on the right is wearing a graduation cloak and hat. She is blonde and also smiling. She is wearing a pink dress and a silver watch. She is holding a bouquet of pink and white roses wrapped in yellow paperUniversity of Worcester
The couple have been together for three years

Ms Boddice said the special moment happened in the cathedral gardens.

She said: "We were in the garden of the cathedral, overlooking the river, having family photos on the steps just by the door.

"Then Jacob got down on one knee and asked the question! I couldn’t believe it; I was very happy!”

Mr Thomas said he planned the proposal so his future father-in-law could be there to take photos.

"I half-planned the moment, but the other half was luck!” he said.

Ms Boddice, who works at a school already, said she was excited to return to work on Friday.

She said: “I can’t wait to show the children the photos and the ring when I get back to the school in the morning!”

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