A Darlington student born with four kidneys and a rare bone condition celebrated with her peers after moving closer to her dream of becoming a paramedic.
Charley Heseltine was named Outstanding Healthcare Student as Darlington College honoured its class of 2026.
The 19-year-old health and social care T-level student, from Middleton St George, has undergone 10 operations for kidney problems and Madelung’s deformity, which causes malformed wrists.
Born with four kidneys, two of them underdeveloped, and connecting tubes that ‘look like Spaghetti Junction’, she has overcome many of her health problems and will study for a three-year BSc in paramedicine.
Charley, who gained a merit in her T-level, said: ‘People told me I wouldn’t be able to do various things and that just made me want to do it more.’
‘Darlington College went really well and I even got a job in the healthcare assistant bank as a result of my placement.
‘I’m hoping to work in A&E while I study as that is relevant to being a paramedic and then one day I’d love to work for NEAS.’
At the award ceremony at Darlington Hippodrome, students and their families heard: ‘Charley has approached her healthcare course with determination and commitment, investing herself fully in every aspect of her learning despite facing significant personal challenges.’
The citation added: ‘Rather than allowing these challenges to define her, Charley has used them as motivation, often saying that after spending so much time ‘in the back of an ambulance’, she now wants to be ‘in the front’ helping others.
"This perspective, combined with her caring nature and empathy, makes her a truly inspirational young person.’
Charley was among dozens of students honoured for their hard work and commitment to their studies.
Leila Najafi was named Outstanding Student in the 19+ category.
Leila arrived in England from Iran two years ago with her husband, Mohammad, leaving behind her family, home and career as a lawyer.
She spent more than a year homeless, living in a hotel outside Darlington with only a few possessions.
While retraining as a chef, she learned English, completed a Level 2 pastry course and gained further credits through an NVQ Level 3 in professional cookery.
She also held down a full-time hospitality job throughout her studies.
Earlier this year, Leila travelled to Armenia hoping her family had crossed the border safely after war broke out, and was able to spend time with them.
While away, she kept in regular email contact with the college and submitted her theory work through Google Classroom.
She even joined a video call during an evening lesson to meet her newborn niece rather than miss the session.
Ethan Ramsey won the Head of Department Award and Principal’s Award after using his classroom skills to help pupils at the special school where he flourished.
His efforts also earned him a nomination for Apprentice of the Year, a national award run by educational charity NCFE.
The Darlington College apprentice completed his Level 3 teaching assistant course with distinction and now works at Beaumont Hill Academy, where he studied.
The 18-year-old, from Darlington, was diagnosed with autism and joined Beaumont Hill Academy in Year 8. The specialist school caters for children aged two to 19 with special educational needs and is part of the Education Village Academy Trust.
Ethan decided to become a teacher after attending a Year 9 careers fair.
He now hopes to study for a foundation degree before becoming a teacher.
Honey Hibbins was named Outstanding Hairdressing Student after maintaining near-perfect attendance despite a medical condition.
Her citation read: ‘Despite living with the condition she demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. She never allows challenges to hold her back or prevent her from achieving her goals.’
Principal David Gartland told students: ‘I know the difference you have all already made and we are excited to hear about what amazing things you go on and achieve in the future. It makes me feel so positive about the future knowing that you are going out into the world to make a valuable contribution to society. You should be really proud of your achievements.’
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Other winners included Jessica King, Outstanding Beauty Student; Bobby Johnson, Outstanding Barbering Student; Matthew Sinclair, Outstanding Hospitality and Catering Student and Head of Department Award winner; Caitlyn Cottam, Outstanding Education and Early Years Student; Elijah Porter, Outstanding Criminology Student; Jake Simpson, Outstanding Art Student; Leona Milne, Outstanding Automotive Student; Nathanael Hall, Outstanding Engineering Student; Alina Radkovska, Head of Department Award winner; Spencer Mawby, Outstanding Bricklaying Student; Jack Widdowson, Outstanding Plumbing Student; Isaac Chapman, Outstanding Electrical Student and Head of Department Award winner; Zaki Ullah Amarkhil, Outstanding Business Student; Tyler Brookes, Outstanding Vocational Foundations Student; Samuel Clarke, Outstanding Games Design Student; Rachel Byrom, Outstanding Student in the 19+ category; George Burns, Head of Department Award winner; Lillie Mosley, Outstanding GCSE Maths Student; Amie Dent, Outstanding GCSE English Student; Jacob Riley, Head of Department Award winner; and Oliver McNight, Head of Department Award winner.
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