A STUDENT from Wrexham has achieved outstanding academic success while undergoing and recovering from complex surgery.

Llinos Edwards, 24, is currently studying for a Master’s in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) after achieving a First Class Early Childhood Studies degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism, all at the University of Chester.

Llinos started her university journey while undergoing complex surgery related to Achondroplasia, a common form of dwarfism. Due to her determination and academic ability she balanced medical appointments alongside her work which has proved at such a high standard she was asked to contribute to the latest book by senior lecturer, Dr Chandrika Devarakonda.

She said: “Although this process was becoming 'normal' to me at the time, I realised the heavy pressures of weekly hospital appointments and physical therapy, complications and complex surgeries alongside full-time education were an intense combination to balance as I didn't live a typical 'student life'.

"I was in and out of the hospital, working unconventional hours and putting every bit of spare time into my studies, recovery and physiotherapy. Despite the multiple long-term operations and procedures, I did not have to take time out of any education and even if I had to miss some lectures due to hospital stays, I would be doing the work there or staying up late to ensure I was giving my absolute all and putting absolutely everything I could into my studies.

“To achieve a First Class degree felt amazing, it felt like a real light at the end of the tunnel and made all of the hard work and pushing myself each time to do my absolute best worth it. It felt like my potential was truly recognised and it gave me the confidence to really recognise my own abilities. It's my biggest and proudest achievement yet."

Since 2011 when studying for her GCSEs, Llinos has been undergoing limb-lengthening and correction surgeries to both her legs and arms and have so far undergone 14 operations.

This involves breaking the bone and applying an external fixator which is pinned to the bone. It is an intensive process and with the support of the frame and following a strict program, Llinos manually lengthened the leg by 1mm per day, allowing new bone to form over time.

It is highly intensive and due to its sensitive nature, much of the procedure restricts one to a wheelchair, greatly limiting one’s mobility, muscle strength and independence. Once the bone got stronger, she had to adjust to a new height, length, regain muscle strength and learn to walk again, repeating this process for each set of leg lengthening.

Llinos said:“Having to undergo this intensive surgery, my passion for my studies provided a focus, keeping me going through the milestone achievements, setbacks, hospital stays, emergency appointments.

"And when sadly in 2016, I faced a complication in recovery, whereby my right lower leg failed to heal, and I underwent urgent corrective and realignment surgery of my lower leg and ankle with another external frame for the length of my final year.

"With the wonderful support of my family, I continually pushed to be the best I could be, recognising that although I was undergoing these operations, I didn’t want my operations to intervene, negatively influence or be at fault at my opportunities to succeed, develop and learn. I believe this attitude and strong perseverance enabled me to recognise my absolute potential and ensure I put absolutely everything that I had into my studies.”

Having previously worked as a Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant with young children with autism and carrying out a Work Based Learning placement in special education and autism in a specialist provision within a primary school, Llinos knew she wanted to work in special education to positively impact the lives of children and young people and “to be the best I can be to help children of all backgrounds and needs to not feel limited by their differences but to recognise their strengths to achieve their potential”.

Senior lecturer, Dr Chandrika Devarakonda, said: “Llinos is a bright, conscientious student who is hardworking and determined to achieve. She is always cheerful, enthusiastic, and passionate about her aspirations. I wish Llinos more success in all her endeavours and hope she will inspire to others to follow their dreams and reach the best of their potential.”