A STUDENT born with four kidneys and a rare condition affecting the bones in her wrists and forearms celebrated with her peers after moving a step closer to her paramedic dream.
Charley Heseltine collected the accolade for Outstanding Healthcare Student as Darlington College paid tribute to its class of 2026.
The 19-year-old, T-Level health and social care student, of Middleton-St-George, has undergone 10 operations over the years for kidney issues and for Madelung's deformity which results in malformed wrists requiring surgery.
Born with four kidneys, two of which aren’t fully formed, and connecting tubes that ‘look like Spaghetti Junction’, she has largely overcome her health issues and will now read a three year BSc degree in paramedicine.
“People told me I wouldn’t be able to do various things and that just made me want to do it more,” said Charley, who gained a merit in her T-Level. “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.”
In a citation read to students and their families at the award ceremony, staged at Darlington Hippodrome, guests 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.
“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 one of many students receiving awards for their hard work and commitment to their studies.
Leila Najafi received the accolade Outstanding Student in the 19+ category. She arrived in England two years ago from Iran with her husband Mohammad after having to leave behind her family, everything she had ever known and her professional career as a lawyer.
She was homeless for over a year, living in hotel accommodation outside Darlington with just a few possessions.
While retraining as a chef she also learned English and completed her Level 2 pastry course and more recently NVQ L3 professional cookery, gaining additional credits. During this time she has been holding down a full time job within the hospitality industry. Earlier this year, Leila travelled to Armenia in the hope that her family had made it safely across the border after the war broke out and was able to spend some time with them.
While away she stayed in regular email contact with college and submitted her theory work through Google Classroom. She even took a video call during an evening lesson to meet her newborn niece, rather than miss the session.
Ethan Ramsey received the Head of Department Award and Principal’s Award for using the skills he learnt in the classroom to help the next generation of learners at the special school which helped him flourish.
His efforts also saw him nominated for a national award with a leading UK-based educational charity and national awarding organisation NCFE for the Apprentice of the Year.
The Darlington College apprentice completed his level 3 teaching assistant course with distinction and has been employed by Beaumont Hill Academy where he studied.
The 18-year-old, of Darlington, was diagnosed with autism and became a pupil in Year 8 at Beaumont Hill Academy, a specialist provider for children with special educational needs, aged two to 19, which is part of the Education Village Academy Trust.
Ethan became ‘dead set’ on a career in teaching after attending a Year 9 careers fair. He now hopes to study a foundation degree with a view to eventually becoming a teacher.
Honey Hibbins was awarded Outstanding Hairdressing Student after living with a medical condition but maintaining near-perfect attendance.
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.”
Other winners included: Jessica King for Outstanding Beauty Student; Bobby Johnson for Outstanding Barbering Student; Matthew Sinclair for Outstanding Hospitality and Catering Student as well as the Head of Department Award; Caitlyn Cottam for Outstanding Education and Early Years Student; Elijah Porter for Outstanding Criminology Student; Jake Simpson for Outstanding Art Student; Leona Milne for Outstanding Automotive Student; Nathanael Hall for Outstanding Engineering Student; Alina Radkovska received the Head of Department Award; Spencer Mawby for Outstanding Bricklaying Student; Jack Widdowson for Outstanding Plumbing Student; Isaac Chapman for Outstanding Electrical Student as well as the Head of Department Award; Zaki Ullah Amarkhil for Outstanding Business Student; Tyler Brookes for Outstanding Vocational Foundations Student; Samuel Clarke for Outstanding Games Design Student; Rachel Byrom for Outstanding Student 19+ Category; The Head of Department Award went to George Burns; Lillie Mosley for Outstanding GCSE Maths Student; Amie Dent for Outstanding GCSE English Student; The Head of Department Award went to Jacob Riley; The Head of Department Award went to Oliver McNight.