Iona Atkins (16) from Shirley, Solihull was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of five and despite the challenges of living with the disease she achieved top grades for her GCSEs.
Iona, a student at Langley Secondary School received grades C and above in English Literature, English Language, Mathematics, Science (Dual Award), History and Drama.
Iona said: “I am so happy with the results that I received, I tried my best and was just hoping to pass, so I am really pleased with the grades that I got.”
Since childhood Iona has had a cholesteatoma - an abnormal collection of skin cells deep in her ears which causes difficulties with her hearing.
In 2007, an ear check-up revealed a shadow on Iona’s brain and following a subsequent MRI scan Iona was diagnosed with a brain tumour known as a craniopharyngioma.
Iona underwent surgery and radiotherapy to treat the tumour and at present the tumour is stable.
Iona said: “Having a brain tumour has impacted my life in positive and negative ways.
“I see the world in a completely different way now and appreciate so much more. However, on a daily basis I face challenges. As a result of my brain tumour I struggle to manage my body temperature and I also suffer from diabetes insipidus which makes it difficult for me to control my fluid balance.
“I find it hard to concentrate and often get tired, particularly when writing for long periods.
This Summer Iona took her GCSEs and just two weeks before her exams Iona had surgery to treat a recurrence of the cholesteatoma.
Iona said: “I focused my revision on what I needed to learn and made sure that my revision was varied, I even watched revision videos on You Tube. I revised little and often and made sure I took breaks to relax. I think it’s important that you don’t push yourself too hard and that you aren’t too tough on yourself. I was especially happy with my results as I had had surgery just two weeks before my exams.”
Iona is now looking forward to enrolling at Solihull College to begin a BTEC in Childcare this September.
Iona said: "I am really excited to start my course. I would like to be a Learning Support Assistant. I have had a lot of challenges growing up and I have incredible help and support and so I would like to do this for others.”
Iona’s mum Ann said: “I am immensely proud of Iona, she has been through so much and even though she still faces many challenges her positivity and approach to life is inspiring . We are so lucky that Iona has reached this milestone in her life as for many parents the outcome has been devastating. That is why as a family we will continue to fundraise for The Brain Tumour Charity so outcomes for children are better.”
Emma Wood, Young Adults Service Manager for The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “All of us at the charity are really pleased for Iona and want to say a huge congratulations for achieving such brilliant results. Being diagnosed with a brain tumour is a life-changing experience and Iona’s determination and commitment to succeed despite the challenges she has faced are truly inspiring and she should be incredibly proud of herself.
“We wish Iona the very best as she starts her Childcare Course next month, we are certain that she will fulfil her dreams.”
