Student triumphs against the odds
GAINING a degree is challenging for anybody but one Combe Martin student has shown amazing perseverance to overcome huge obstacles on her road to academic success.
Nikki Edwards, 22, has just graduated from Exeter University with a BA in Music.
What makes Nikki's story so extraordinary is that she has succeeded despite suffering from dyslexia and other learning difficulties.
Then in her final year the plucky student was stricken by severe illness, so much so that university authorities suggested she postpone her studies until she was better and re-sit her last year.
"Despite all the hurdles she has taken each one and passed with flying colours," said Nikki's proud mother Barbara Edwards. "Nikki was determined to complete the course in the allotted time and did so even though she was ill."
Nikki was greatly helped with the financial side of higher education by the George Ley Education Charity, set up in Combe Martin to help local youngsters succeed.
In recognition of her achievements, the university has presented Nikki with the Dean's Commendation, an accolade bestowed upon one student only each year.
Now Nikki is taking a second degree in mathematics, and although she is still not very well she is coping remarkably.
She went to school at Combe Martin primary before going on to Ilfracombe College and then attending sixth form there.
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