Brave pupil is ‘true inspiration’ (From News Shopper)

Brave pupil is ‘true inspiration’

3:29pm Thursday 4th September 2008 in

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REBECCA WILLIAMS meets 15-year-old Hayley Gregory, the latest nominee in News Shopper's Our Young Stars awards.

AS AN infant, 15-year-old Hayley Gregory was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a potentially life-threatening disease which affects the skin and the respiratory system.

Her special needs teacher, Areti Lambert, from Darrick Wood School, in Lovibonds Avenue, Orpington, has nominated the Year 10 pupil for the Against All Odds category of the Our Young Stars awards.

For the past 10 years the youngster has battled courageously despite weekly hospital visits and constant medical attention.

The teenager, of Court Road, Orpington, has managed to play an active part in school life, putting every effort into her studies.

Mrs Lambert said: "She's such a brave young lady and struggles everyday. She cheers everyone up.

"Last term she was hardly at school, but she's so bright and has completed course work to the best of her ability.

"She wants to achieve and she doesn't let her health affect her."

Hayley has had to endure ongoing pain due to an inflammatory eye condition, which has caused much scarring.

Mrs Lambert said: "Her vision is getting worse. She hopes every day for a better day."

Regular hospital visits are needed to remove ingrown eyelashes, meaning some days Hayley can barely even open her eyes.

Despite anxieties among her family and her teacher, Hayley tries to get on with her life as best she can.

Mrs Lambert said: "Hayley is the oldest of four children.

"Her mother is absolutely fantastic and she has a very supportive family around her."

She added: "There's us moaning everyday and she gives a big smile and she copes. She's a true inspiration."

The teenager said: "I feel really proud to have been nominated and it shows my school are really proud and think a lot of me.

"Having to deal with it is really difficult. Getting to school is hard and it's sometimes such an effort getting up in the mornings.

"My family are really supportive. It's really hard on them too.

"This year has been my hardest year.

"I've missed half of my schooling, so I've had to catch up by working at home as well."

The inaugural Our Young Stars awards will celebrate all the good things done by young people living in Bromley, Bexley Lewisham, Greenwich, Dartford and Gravesham.

With only three weeks remaining, we are looking for nominees for five main categories: special talent, academic achievement, best community servant, against all odds and editor's choice.

Thanks to The Glades shopping centre in Bromley there is also £500 in cash for the winner.

The children involved must live or go to school in the News Shopper area and anyone up to the age of 18 can be nominated.

To nominate a contender, fill in the form here