A STUDENT who finished her exams in hospital while battling leukaemia has celebrated her results with pride.

Carmel College student Samantha Adams lived with the cancer for two years and at one point completed an exam at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, before going top theatre for a lung biopsy.

The 18-year-old, of Darlington, celebrated with mother Linda Grantham after picking up her results – distinctions in her Btec childcare and Btec health and social care, as well as a grade C in A-level art and design/photography.

Inspired by the care she received in hospital, she will now study a degree in psychology and child development at Trinity College, Leeds, with a view to a career working with children.

“I feel really good,” said Samantha, now in remission from the leukaemia.

“When I was 13 I felt tired, was covered in bruises and kept falling over. A blood test revealed I had no platelets and it was leukaemia.

“So for two years I had chemotherapy and at one point remember taking my English literature paper in the RVI before going straight into theatre for a lung biopsy.

“But it has been okay really and the studying has helped take my mind off my illness and influenced what I would like to do in the future – work with children.”

Her mother added: “She was so poorly with pneumonia that we didn’t think she was going to come back at one point.

“She is everything to me and she has done fantastically well. I don’t think any mum could be prouder.”

Principal Maura Regan said: “I am thrilled for Samantha and her family as she has been through so much yet managed to accomplish some great results. This is a truly remarkable achievement.

“Overall, our outstanding results are testament to the hard work and commitment of students and staff alike.”

Samantha joined students and staff at Carmel College in celebrating another outstanding exam year with a 100 per cent pass rate and more than half achieving A*, A and B grades.

Another notable success was Megan Kay, who achieved four A grades and a B, securing a place at Leeds University.

Amy Shakeshaft and Samantha Downes both gained three As and two A* grades, securing places at Bristol University and Sheffield University, respectively.

Director of Sixth Form Tim Madeley added: “Once again, Carmel College has shown just what a special place it is. The students and staff all work so hard and we are extremely proud.”