TWO students who proved role models in overcoming adversity celebrated their respective graduations today.

Bed-ridden Melanie Hartson, 26, whose rare condition causes all her joints to dislocate, defied the odds by finishing her studies and collecting her biology degree certificate at Newcastle University on a stretcher.

The 26-year-old of Cramlington, Northumberland, suffers from a rare form of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a debilitating condition that affects connective tissue.

As a result she had to complete the final year of her Newcastle University biology degree at home and take her exams lying down.

She said: “This brilliant day means so much to me and I want to thank everyone who has supported me.”

International student Julian Chew was attacked and hospitalised with a broken jaw only hours after arriving in the region from Malaysia. He bounced back to become a role model in the community and successfully graduate in Mass Communications from Sunderland University.

The 21-year-old became a Student Representative, a Student Ambassador, helped form the Malaysian Society, and even completed the university’s Professional Award.

He said: “Now looking back I can say that I am really thankful that I took the opportunity, to tough it out.”