Natalie picks up reward after hard work and determination

OVERCOMING the odds is just something a 17-year-old girl from Bishop's Cleeve does on a daily basis.

Natalie Lawson-Lee, who has Down's Syndrome, left Cleeve School last year with seven GCSEs.

And the hardworking youngster was honoured at an achievement evening at the school this week when Team GB performance manager Shane Sutton handed her a certificate marking the achievement.

Her mother Lindsey said she was extremely proud of her daughter.

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"I never thought she would pass all her exams," she added.

"I never imagined in a million years that she would have passed all of them. It was a great surprise. She worked incredibly hard to get to where she is."

Natalie is now taking a life skills course at Gloucestershire College, learning abilities which will help her live independently in the future.

Her mother said Natalie had social problems in primary school, but overcame them with her determined attitude.

Lindsey said: "She tackles things as and when they happen, and handles everything that comes along really well.

"She has been getting involved in groups since she was young, especially dance.

"My girl has never let me down on anything and she is always there for me."

Natalie is hoping to be a teaching assistant in the future, but had plans to be a hairdresser when she was younger.

Natalie said: "It's great having such a supportive mother. She is the best. The school has also helped with my homework."

Cleeve School's Special Education Needs co-ordinator, Liam Edwards, said it was an achievement to be celebrated.

"The teachers, and staff here are very proud of her," he said.

"She's a brilliant girl and was an enthusiastic student."

Rob Broadbridge, headteacher of Cleeve School, added: "We are immensely proud of the commitment that Natalie has shown in achieving this wonderful set of results.

"She was always a highly valued member of our school community and left a lasting positive impression."

OPINION, P8