Neive said: “My love for animals and nature has motivated me, and connecting with them has helped my recovery by keeping me calm. It’s a dream come true to be studying something I love so much. After missing three years of school, I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to achieve it.

“To anyone facing a big challenge, I’d say: never give up, and always follow your dream. Storms don’t last forever; you can get through anything life throws at you.”

Neive was honoured with the Townsend Tribute Award at our Student Excellence Awards, in recognition of a student with an Education, Health and Care Plan who has overcome exceptional barriers to pursue their aspirations.

Neive was nominated by her Course Leader, Macauley Parkin, who added: “Neive shows us all what true resilience looks like. Her strength and optimism have made her a role model among her peers and an inspiration to the wider community.

"It has been a pleasure teaching her this past year and watching her agricultural skills thrive. I can’t wait to see her continue to grow and succeed next year.”